1996 Renault Twingo vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 Renault Twingo 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1996 Renault Twingo. (59 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Twingo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 484 kg more than 1996 Renault Twingo. 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, 1996 Renault Twingo, 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Twingo. (93 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Twingo. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1996 Renault Twingo has manual transmission. 1996 Renault Twingo 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 Renault Twingo | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Renault | Reliant |
| Model | Twingo | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1149 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 816 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2640 mm |
