2007 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 26 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159. (118 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 2007 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 391 kg more than 1981 Reliant Scimitar.
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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Alfa Romeo 159 | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Reliant |
| Model | 159 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
