1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 265 kg more than 1975 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 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 1986 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (175 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Lancia Beta | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Beta | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 27 L |
