1978 Opel Rekord vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1978 Opel Rekord. (90 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 196 kg more than 1978 Opel Rekord. 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, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Rekord. (142 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Rekord | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Rekord | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1104 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2640 mm |
