1986 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1974 Fiat 131
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 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 59 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 131 weights approximately 135 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 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131. 1974 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1986 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1986 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Reliant Scimitar | 1974 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Reliant | Fiat |
| Model | Scimitar | 131 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2500 mm |
