1973 Opel Kadett vs. 1982 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1982 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Kadett 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 82 more horse power than 1973 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1973 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 510 kg more than 1973 Opel Kadett. 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 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1982 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Opel Kadett.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 1982 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Kadett | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 93.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2640 mm |
