1959 Abarth 850 vs. 1998 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1998 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 39 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 1,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Reliant Scimitar (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1959 Abarth 850. (70 HP @ 6800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1959 Abarth 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 323 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, 1998 Reliant Scimitar (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Abarth 850. (80 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1998 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Abarth 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Abarth 850 | 1998 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Abarth | Reliant |
| Model | 850 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 893 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2140 mm |
