1997 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,422 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Reliant Scimitar (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (74 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 351 kg more than 1997 Reliant Scimitar.
Because 1997 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 1997 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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, 1997 Reliant Scimitar (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle. (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Reliant Scimitar | 2002 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Scimitar | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 1422 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 893 kg | 1244 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2470 mm |
