1993 Volvo 850 vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1993 Volvo 850 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Volvo 850 (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 92 more horse power than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Volvo 850 weights approximately 150 kg more than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Volvo 850, 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, 1993 Volvo 850 (300 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. 1984 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1993 Volvo 850 has manual transmission. 1993 Volvo 850 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Volvo 850 | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Volvo | Reliant |
| Model | 850 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2319 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2640 mm |
