1980 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1980 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 445 kg more than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Scimitar | 1962 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Scimitar | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1962 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 64 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2430 mm |
