2003 Opel Speedster vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2003 Opel Speedster is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Speedster (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 260 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Opel Speedster (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. 1978 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2003 Opel Speedster has manual transmission. 2003 Opel Speedster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Speedster | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Speedster | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 243 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| 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 | 2400 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 27 L |
