1986 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio 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 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 172 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio.
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 Kia Rio, 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, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio. 2012 Kia Rio 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. 2012 Kia Rio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Reliant Scimitar | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Reliant | Kia |
| Model | Scimitar | Rio |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 43 L |
