1984 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1970 Reliant Bug
To start off, 1984 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Reliant Bug. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Reliant Bug would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 438 kg more than 1970 Reliant Bug. 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 (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Reliant Scimitar | 1970 Reliant Bug | |
| Make | Reliant | Reliant |
| Model | Scimitar | Bug |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 846 kg | 408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 2800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 1960 mm |
