1959 Abarth 1000 vs. 1972 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1972 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Reliant Scimitar (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 1000. (88 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 427 kg more than 1959 Abarth 1000. 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, 1972 Reliant Scimitar (260 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 1000. (97 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 1000 | 1972 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Abarth | Reliant |
| Model | 1000 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 88 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 97 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 195 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2540 mm |
