1997 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Reliant Scimitar. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1997 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 427 kg more than 1997 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Reliant Scimitar. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Reliant Scimitar | 1999 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Reliant | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | Scimitar | 156 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 893 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2600 mm |
