1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1997 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1997 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Ritmo 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 45 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 33 kg more than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1978 Fiat Ritmo, 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 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1997 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Fiat | Reliant |
| Model | Ritmo | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 893 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2140 mm |
