1995 Honda Prelude vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1995 Honda Prelude is newer by 14 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 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 1995 Honda Prelude. (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1995 Honda Prelude. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 64 kg more than 1995 Honda Prelude. 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, 1995 Honda Prelude, 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Honda Prelude. (179 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Honda Prelude. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1995 Honda Prelude has manual transmission. 1995 Honda Prelude 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:
| 1995 Honda Prelude | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | Prelude | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 131 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 179 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1236 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2640 mm |
