1977 Lancia Beta vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1984 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Lancia Beta would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1977 Lancia Beta. (82 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1977 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 275 kg more than 1977 Lancia Beta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Lancia Beta. 1984 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1977 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1977 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Lancia Beta | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Beta | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 82 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2640 mm |
