1983 Ford Fairlane vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1983 Ford Fairlane is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 4,092 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Ford Fairlane is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1983 Ford Fairlane. (131 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1983 Ford Fairlane. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Fairlane weights approximately 365 kg more than 1978 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, 1983 Ford Fairlane (304 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Fairlane will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. 1983 Ford Fairlane has automatic transmission and 1978 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1978 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Ford Fairlane will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Fairlane | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Fairlane | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4092 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1630 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2640 mm |
