1981 Nissan Cherry vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Nissan Cherry. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Nissan Cherry would be higher. At 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1981 Nissan Cherry. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 15 kg more than 1981 Nissan Cherry. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Nissan Cherry, 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, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Nissan Cherry. (96 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Nissan Cherry.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Nissan Cherry | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Nissan | Reliant |
| Model | Cherry | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1270 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 825 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3900 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2140 mm |
