1977 AMC Matador vs. 1974 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1977 AMC Matador is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 4,982 cc (8 cylinders), 1977 AMC Matador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Reliant Scimitar (123 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1977 AMC Matador. (120 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1977 AMC Matador. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 AMC Matador weights approximately 671 kg more than 1974 Reliant Scimitar.
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 AMC Matador (298 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Reliant Scimitar. (267 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 AMC Matador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Reliant Scimitar. 1977 AMC Matador has automatic transmission and 1974 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1974 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 AMC Matador will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 AMC Matador | 1974 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | AMC | Reliant |
| Model | Matador | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4982 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1861 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1970 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2540 mm |
