1980 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2011 Dodge Nitro
To start off, 2011 Dodge Nitro is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Dodge Nitro (260 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Dodge Nitro should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Dodge Nitro weights approximately 567 kg more than 1980 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 Dodge Nitro (359 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. 2011 Dodge Nitro has automatic transmission and 1980 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1980 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Dodge Nitro will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Scimitar | 2011 Dodge Nitro | |
| Make | Reliant | Dodge |
| Model | Scimitar | Nitro |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4544 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1791 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2764 mm |
