1996 Lancia Kappa vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 Lancia Kappa is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lancia Kappa (173 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 220 kg more than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1985 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 1985 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lancia Kappa, 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 Lancia Kappa (230 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. 1985 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1996 Lancia Kappa has manual transmission. 1996 Lancia Kappa will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lancia Kappa | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Kappa | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2451 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
