1956 Ford Prefect vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1978 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1956 Ford Prefect. (31 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1956 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 500 kg more than 1956 Ford Prefect. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1978 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Ford Prefect | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Prefect | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1172 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 31 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 71 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2150 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 63.5 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 765 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2640 mm |
