1959 Volvo 120 vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1984 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Volvo 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Volvo 120 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1959 Volvo 120. (76 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1959 Volvo 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 270 kg more than 1959 Volvo 120. 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, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Volvo 120. (118 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Volvo 120.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Volvo 120 | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Volvo | Reliant |
| Model | 120 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1580 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2640 mm |
