1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 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 162 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (95 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 648 kg more than 1985 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 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1985 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1985 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 | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Pontiac | Reliant |
| Model | Firebird | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 257 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 887 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2140 mm |
