2008 Kia Sportage vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2008 Kia Sportage is newer by 28 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Kia Sportage (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 242 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.
Because 1980 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 1980 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Kia Sportage, 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, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage. 1980 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Sportage 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:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Kia | Reliant |
| Model | Sportage | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.5 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2640 mm |
