1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1981 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 540 kg more than 1961 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A 40 | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A 40 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 64.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2640 mm |
