1985 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (95 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 73 kg more than 1985 Reliant Scimitar.
Because 1985 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 1985 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 Wartburg 311, 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, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Wartburg 311. (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Reliant Scimitar | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Reliant | Wartburg |
| Model | Scimitar | 311 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 887 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2460 mm |
