1954 Austin A 40 vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 40 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 92 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 40. (41 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 235 kg more than 1954 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, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 40. (84 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 40 | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A 40 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1198 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 41 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 27 L |
