1961 Austin A 40 vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 24 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 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1961 Austin A 40. (36 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 80 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, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1985 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 | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A 40 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 36 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 760 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2220 mm | 2140 mm |
