1999 Lancia Kappa vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1999 Lancia Kappa is newer by 18 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lancia Kappa (202 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lancia Kappa should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lancia Kappa weights approximately 285 kg more than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. 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, 1999 Lancia Kappa, 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 Lancia Kappa (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Lancia Kappa will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lancia Kappa | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Kappa | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 202 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4700 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
