1984 Pontiac Grand Am vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Scimitar 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 44 more horse power than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 135 kg more than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Pontiac | Reliant |
| Model | Grand Am | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2469 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2640 mm |
