1958 Jensen 541 vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Jensen 541. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Jensen 541 would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Jensen 541 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1958 Jensen 541. (129 HP @ 4100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1958 Jensen 541. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Jensen 541 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1986 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, 1958 Jensen 541 (311 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Jensen 541 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Jensen 541 | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Jensen | Reliant |
| Model | 541 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1475 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2640 mm |
