1986 Ford Escort vs. 1997 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1997 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Reliant Scimitar (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 67 kg more than 1997 Reliant Scimitar.
Because 1997 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 1997 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, 1986 Ford Escort (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Reliant Scimitar. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1997 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Escort | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 893 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2140 mm |
