1988 Lancia Thema vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1988 Lancia Thema is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lancia Thema (185 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lancia Thema weights approximately 20 kg more than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Lancia Thema, 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 Lancia Thema (320 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1988 Lancia Thema has manual transmission. 1988 Lancia Thema will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lancia Thema | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Thema | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2640 mm |
