1986 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1999 Kia Potentia
To start off, 1999 Kia Potentia is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Kia Potentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Potentia (138 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Potentia should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Kia Potentia weights approximately 630 kg more than 1986 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, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Potentia. (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Potentia. 1999 Kia Potentia 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. 1999 Kia Potentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Reliant Scimitar | 1999 Kia Potentia | |
| Make | Reliant | Kia |
| Model | Scimitar | Potentia |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2720 mm |
