1948 Austin A 90 vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1948 Austin A 90. (87 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1948 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Austin A 90 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
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, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Austin A 90. (190 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Austin A 90. 1986 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1948 Austin A 90 has manual transmission. 1948 Austin A 90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1948 Austin A 90 | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A 90 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 27 L |
