1976 Opel Kadett vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1981 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1976 Opel Kadett. (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1976 Opel Kadett. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 475 kg more than 1976 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Opel Kadett. (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Opel Kadett. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1976 Opel Kadett has manual transmission. 1976 Opel Kadett will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Opel Kadett | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Kadett | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1194 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 1265 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 |
