1985 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1996 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Reliant Scimitar (105 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 53 kg more than 1985 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, 1996 Reliant Scimitar (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Reliant Scimitar | 1996 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Reliant | Reliant |
| Model | Scimitar | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 893 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2140 mm |
