1981 Volvo 240 vs. 1982 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1982 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volvo 240. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volvo 240 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1981 Volvo 240. (106 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1981 Volvo 240. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volvo 240 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1982 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, 1982 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volvo 240. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volvo 240. 1982 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1981 Volvo 240 has manual transmission. 1981 Volvo 240 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Volvo 240 | 1982 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Volvo | Reliant |
| Model | 240 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1986 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2640 mm |
