1981 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1998 Renault Safrane
To start off, 1998 Renault Safrane is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Safrane (141 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Safrane should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Safrane weights approximately 260 kg more than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Renault Safrane, 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Renault Safrane. (200 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Renault Safrane.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Scimitar | 1998 Renault Safrane | |
| Make | Reliant | Renault |
| Model | Scimitar | Safrane |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 207 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 82.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2770 mm |
