1953 Bristol 404 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 Bristol 404. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1953 Bristol 404 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 44 more horse power than 1953 Bristol 404. (91 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1953 Bristol 404. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 225 kg more than 1953 Bristol 404. 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 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1953 Bristol 404. (152 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1953 Bristol 404. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1953 Bristol 404 has manual transmission. 1953 Bristol 404 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1953 Bristol 404 | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Bristol | Reliant |
| Model | 404 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1953 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1971 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 91 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2640 mm |
