1982 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1981 Volkswagen Santana
To start off, 1982 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Santana. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Santana would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (75 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 275 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Santana, 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, 1982 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Santana. (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1982 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Santana.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Reliant Scimitar | 1981 Volkswagen Santana | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Scimitar | Santana |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2560 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 60 L |
