1988 Buick Reatta vs. 1983 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1988 Buick Reatta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Buick Reatta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Buick Reatta (165 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta should accelerate faster than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Buick Reatta weights approximately 271 kg more than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Buick Reatta, 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, 1988 Buick Reatta (285 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Buick Reatta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Buick Reatta | 1983 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Buick | Reliant |
| Model | Reatta | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 91 L |
