1985 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 330 kg more than 1966 Wartburg 311. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1966 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 (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Reliant Scimitar | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Reliant | Wartburg |
| Model | Scimitar | 311 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2460 mm |
