1976 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1976 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 305 kg more than 1960 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 Wartburg 311, 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, 1976 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (81 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1976 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Reliant Scimitar | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Reliant | Wartburg |
| Model | Scimitar | 311 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 70.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 43 L |
