1998 Opel Speedster vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1998 Opel Speedster is newer by 13 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 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Speedster (198 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 260 kg more than 1998 Opel Speedster.
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, 1998 Opel Speedster (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. 1985 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1998 Opel Speedster has manual transmission. 1998 Opel Speedster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Speedster | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Speedster | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 198 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2640 mm |
