1988 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1966 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1988 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 1,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Reliant Scimitar (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1966 Wartburg 311. (50 HP @ 4250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1966 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 124 kg more than 1988 Reliant Scimitar.
Because 1988 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 1988 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1966 Wartburg 311, 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 Reliant Scimitar (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Wartburg 311. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Wartburg 311.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Reliant Scimitar | 1966 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Reliant | Wartburg |
| Model | Scimitar | 311 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1966 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 50 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 73.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 846 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2460 mm |
