1974 Fiat 126 vs. 1998 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1998 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 126. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 126 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 81 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 126. (23 HP @ 4700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 313 kg more than 1974 Fiat 126. 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 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 126. (39 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1998 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 126 | 1998 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Fiat | Reliant |
| Model | 126 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 593 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 23 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 580 kg | 893 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3130 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2140 mm |
