1981 Lancia Beta 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 Lancia Beta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lancia Beta 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 34 more horse power than 1981 Lancia Beta. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1981 Lancia Beta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Lancia Beta weights approximately 196 kg more than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
Because 1986 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 1986 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Lancia Beta, 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, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Lancia Beta. (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Lancia Beta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lancia Beta | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Beta | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1036 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2140 mm |
