1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1984 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1951 Austin A 40 weights approximately 124 kg more than 1984 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, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A 40 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2140 mm |
