1965 Buick Riviera vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Buick Riviera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Buick Riviera would be higher. At 6,966 cc (8 cylinders), 1965 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Buick Riviera (288 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Buick Riviera weights approximately 1056 kg more than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. 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, 1965 Buick Riviera (603 Nm) has 503 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (100 Nm). This means 1965 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. 1965 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1986 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1986 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1965 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Buick Riviera | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Buick | Reliant |
| Model | Riviera | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6966 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 288 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 603 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1896 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2140 mm |
