1975 Lancia Beta vs. 1997 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1997 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 22 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 1,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Reliant Scimitar (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1975 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1975 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Lancia Beta weights approximately 107 kg more than 1997 Reliant Scimitar.
Because 1997 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 1997 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, 1997 Reliant Scimitar (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1997 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 | 1997 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Beta | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 893 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 |
