1997 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1987 Renault 21
To start off, 1997 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Renault 21. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Renault 21 would be higher. At 1,869 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Reliant Scimitar (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1987 Renault 21. (64 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1987 Renault 21. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Renault 21 weights approximately 212 kg more than 1997 Reliant Scimitar.
Because 1997 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 1997 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Renault 21, 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, 1997 Reliant Scimitar (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Renault 21. (118 Nm @ 2250 RPM). This means 1997 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Renault 21.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Reliant Scimitar | 1987 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Reliant | Renault |
| Model | Scimitar | 21 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 1869 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 893 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2820 mm |
