1954 Austin A 90 vs. 1979 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1979 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin A 90. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin A 90 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Reliant Scimitar (136 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1954 Austin A 90. (85 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1954 Austin A 90. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Austin A 90 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 Austin A 90. (168 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 Austin A 90. 1979 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1954 Austin A 90 has manual transmission. 1954 Austin A 90 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin A 90 | 1979 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A 90 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2639 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2640 mm |
