2009 Nissan Xterra vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2009 Nissan Xterra is newer by 31 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Xterra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 64 kg more than 1978 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 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. 2009 Nissan Xterra has automatic transmission and 1978 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1978 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Nissan Xterra | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Nissan | Reliant |
| Model | Xterra | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3954 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 261 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1329 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 27 L |
