1953 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1981 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1953 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Austin A 40 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 86 more horse power than 1953 Austin A 40. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1953 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 275 kg more than 1953 Austin A 40. 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Austin A 40. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Austin A 40 | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A 40 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2640 mm |
