1980 Ford Escort vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (95 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Escort weights approximately 23 kg more than 1985 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, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Ford Escort | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Escort | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 887 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2140 mm |
