2008 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 30 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, 2008 Ford Focus (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 158 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus.
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, 1978 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (184 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus. 1978 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Focus 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:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Focus | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 27 L |
