1991 Buick Riviera vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1991 Buick Riviera is newer by 5 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1991 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Buick Riviera (170 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Buick Riviera weights approximately 255 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, 1991 Buick Riviera, 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, 1991 Buick Riviera (285 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1991 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. 1991 Buick Riviera 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. 1991 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Buick Riviera | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Buick | Reliant |
| Model | Riviera | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3800 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2640 mm |
