1968 Citroen DS vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Citroen DS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Citroen DS would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Citroen DS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Citroen DS (98 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (95 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Citroen DS should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Citroen DS weights approximately 323 kg more than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Reliant Scimitar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1968 Citroen DS, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1968 Citroen DS (151 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Citroen DS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Citroen DS | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Citroen | Reliant |
| Model | DS | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1983 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 151 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 887 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3130 mm | 2140 mm |
