1984 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1984 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (30 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 480 kg more than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. 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, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (78 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Reliant Scimitar | 1959 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Scimitar | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1959 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 30 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 78 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2430 mm |
