1985 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Reliant Scimitar 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 19 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 1042 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, 2011 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Reliant Scimitar | 2011 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Scimitar | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 91 L | 55 L |
