1981 Fiat 131 vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 131. (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat 131 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
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, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 131. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat 131 | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Fiat | Reliant |
| Model | 131 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1367 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2140 mm |
