1986 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 450 kg more than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Reliant Scimitar (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Reliant Scimitar | 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Scimitar | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1968 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 207 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2430 mm |
