1985 Ford Orion vs. 1995 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1995 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Orion. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Orion would be higher. At 1,397 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Reliant Scimitar (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1985 Ford Orion. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Orion. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Ford Orion weights approximately 2 kg more than 1995 Reliant Scimitar.
Because 1995 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 1995 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Orion, 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, 1995 Reliant Scimitar (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Orion. (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Orion.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Orion | 1995 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Orion | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 895 kg | 893 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2140 mm |
