1988 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1988 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Reliant Scimitar (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 24 kg more than 1988 Reliant Scimitar.
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, 1988 Reliant Scimitar (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Reliant Scimitar | 1973 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Scimitar | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 85.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 846 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2430 mm |
