1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Abarth 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Abarth 850 would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 695 kg more than 1959 Abarth 850. 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, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 126 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850. 1985 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1959 Abarth 850 has manual transmission. 1959 Abarth 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Abarth | Reliant |
| Model | 850 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 30 L | 91 L |
