1972 Lancia Beta vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Lancia Beta (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (95 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Lancia Beta weights approximately 103 kg more than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 Reliant Scimitar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Lancia Beta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Lancia Beta. (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Lancia Beta | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Beta | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1592 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 887 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2140 mm |
