1961 Alpine A 108 vs. 1987 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1987 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Alpine A 108. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Alpine A 108 would be higher. At 1,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Reliant Scimitar (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1961 Alpine A 108. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1961 Alpine A 108. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 245 kg more than 1961 Alpine A 108. 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, 1987 Reliant Scimitar (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Alpine A 108. (57 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1987 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Alpine A 108.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Alpine A 108 | 1987 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Alpine | Reliant |
| Model | A 108 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 843 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 595 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2140 mm |
