1978 Lancia Beta vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 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 52 more horse power than 1978 Lancia Beta. (81 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1978 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 300 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 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 (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Lancia Beta. (108 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Lancia Beta. 1986 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1978 Lancia Beta has manual transmission. 1978 Lancia Beta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Lancia Beta | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Beta | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| 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 | 81 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2640 mm |
