1988 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 190 kg more than 1980 Reliant Scimitar.
Because 1980 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 1980 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. 1980 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 has manual transmission. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Reliant |
| Model | 164 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2640 mm |
