1978 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1999 Renault Spider
To start off, 1999 Renault Spider is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Renault Spider (296 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 269 kg more than 1999 Renault Spider.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 Renault Spider (340 Nm @ 3120 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Reliant Scimitar | 1999 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Reliant | Renault |
| Model | Scimitar | Spider |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3120 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2350 mm |
