1998 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 91 more horse power than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 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 1984 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 (275 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Reliant |
| Model | 166 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 275 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 27 L |
