2008 Lexus IS vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 27 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 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lexus IS (216 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus IS weights approximately 182 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.
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, 2008 Lexus IS (288 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lexus | Reliant |
| Model | IS | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2997 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2640 mm |
