1959 Berkeley QB vs. 1988 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1988 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Berkeley QB. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Berkeley QB would be higher. At 1,392 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Reliant Scimitar (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1959 Berkeley QB. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1959 Berkeley QB. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 465 kg more than 1959 Berkeley QB. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1959 Berkeley QB, 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, 1988 Reliant Scimitar (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Berkeley QB. (58 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1988 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Berkeley QB.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Berkeley QB | 1988 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Berkeley | Reliant |
| Model | QB | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 691 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 58 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 381 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1380 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1990 mm | 2140 mm |
