1956 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 1982 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1982 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1956 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (38 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 560 kg more than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. 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, 1982 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle. (88 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1982 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1956 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1956 Volkswagen Beetle | 1982 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Reliant |
| Model | Beetle | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1956 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1192 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 88 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77.1 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2640 mm |
