1999 Buick Riviera vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1999 Buick Riviera is newer by 15 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Buick Riviera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Buick Riviera (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Buick Riviera should accelerate faster than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Buick Riviera weights approximately 400 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, 1999 Buick Riviera, 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 Buick Riviera (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Buick Riviera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. 1999 Buick Riviera has automatic transmission and 1984 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1984 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Buick Riviera will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Buick Riviera | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Buick | Reliant |
| Model | Riviera | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
