1986 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2012 Kia Sorento
To start off, 2012 Kia Sorento 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 2,400 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Sorento is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Sorento (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Sorento should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Sorento weights approximately 904 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 Kia Sorento, 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 Kia Sorento (229 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Sorento will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. 2012 Kia Sorento 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 Sorento will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Reliant Scimitar | 2012 Kia Sorento | |
| Make | Reliant | Kia |
| Model | Scimitar | Sorento |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1809 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3880 mm | 4671 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1709 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2700 mm |
