1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1975 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (257 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1975 Reliant Scimitar. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1975 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 242 kg more than 1975 Reliant Scimitar. 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, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Reliant Scimitar. (260 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Reliant Scimitar. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1975 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1975 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 1975 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Pontiac | Reliant |
| Model | Firebird | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1975 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2640 mm |
