1996 Pontiac Firebird vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 3,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Pontiac Firebird (200 HP) has 67 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 202 kg more than 1986 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 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. 1986 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1996 Pontiac Firebird has manual transmission. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Pontiac Firebird | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Pontiac | Reliant |
| Model | Firebird | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3790 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 133 HP |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1502 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4970 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2640 mm |
