1979 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Reliant Scimitar. (136 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1979 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 477 kg more than 1979 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Reliant Scimitar | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Reliant | Lexus |
| Model | Scimitar | IS |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 65 L |
