1959 Berkeley B vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1984 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley B. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley B would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (96 HP) has 47 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley B. (49 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley B. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 490 kg more than 1959 Berkeley B. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1984 Reliant Scimitar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1984 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley B, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley B. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley B.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley B | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Berkeley | Reliant |
| Model | B | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 692 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 96 HP |
| Torque | 61 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 356 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3250 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1280 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1790 mm | 2140 mm |
