2009 Cadillac XLR vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2009 Cadillac XLR is newer by 24 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac XLR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac XLR (321 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (95 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac XLR should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac XLR weights approximately 748 kg more than 1985 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, 2009 Cadillac XLR (420 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 288 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac XLR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. 2009 Cadillac XLR has automatic transmission and 1985 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1985 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Cadillac XLR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac XLR | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Cadillac | Reliant |
| Model | XLR | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 420 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 3.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1635 kg | 887 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2140 mm |
