1996 Fiat Coupe vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 Fiat Coupe is newer by 15 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, 1996 Fiat Coupe (193 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Fiat Coupe should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 10 kg more than 1996 Fiat Coupe.
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, 1996 Fiat Coupe, 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, 1996 Fiat Coupe (302 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Fiat Coupe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1996 Fiat Coupe has manual transmission. 1996 Fiat Coupe 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:
| 1996 Fiat Coupe | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Fiat | Reliant |
| Model | Coupe | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 193 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 302 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2640 mm |
