1978 Citroen Visa vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1984 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Citroen Visa. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Citroen Visa would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Citroen Visa. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1978 Citroen Visa. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 531 kg more than 1978 Citroen Visa. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Citroen Visa, 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, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Citroen Visa. (51 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Citroen Visa. 1984 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1978 Citroen Visa has manual transmission. 1978 Citroen Visa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Citroen Visa | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Citroen | Reliant |
| Model | Visa | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 652 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 51 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 734 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 27 L |
