1986 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 26 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (183 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 350 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.
Because 1986 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 1986 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Reliant Scimitar | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Reliant | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Scimitar | 159 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 94.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
