1981 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1977 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1981 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (145 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1977 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1977 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 277 kg more than 1977 Reliant Scimitar. 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, 1981 Pontiac Firebird (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Pontiac Firebird | 1977 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Pontiac | Reliant |
| Model | Firebird | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 324 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 79 L | 27 L |
