1986 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 185 kg more than 1986 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1976 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1976 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1976 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Escort | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 201 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2620 mm |
