1986 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS 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 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 477 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, 2012 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Reliant Scimitar | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Reliant | Lexus |
| Model | Scimitar | IS |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2792 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 65 L |
