2005 Alpina Roadster vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2005 Alpina Roadster is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 3,346 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alpina Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alpina Roadster (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alpina Roadster should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alpina Roadster weights approximately 361 kg more than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Alpina Roadster (362 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Alpina Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. 1980 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2005 Alpina Roadster has manual transmission. 2005 Alpina Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alpina Roadster | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Alpina | Reliant |
| Model | Roadster | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3346 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 362 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1626 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2640 mm |
