1985 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Jetta 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 42 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 53 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (102 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Reliant Scimitar | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Scimitar | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 887 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2480 mm |
