1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1988 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1988 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,714 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Reliant Scimitar (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 114 kg more than 1988 Reliant Scimitar.
Because 1988 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 1988 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1988 Reliant Scimitar (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 1988 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Fiat | Reliant |
| Model | Ritmo | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 846 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 |
