1972 Toyota Publica vs. 1977 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1977 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Toyota Publica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Toyota Publica would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1972 Toyota Publica. (38 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1972 Toyota Publica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 590 kg more than 1972 Toyota Publica. 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, 1977 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Toyota Publica. (62 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Toyota Publica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Toyota Publica | 1977 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Toyota | Reliant |
| Model | Publica | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 790 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 62 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3680 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2640 mm |
