1964 Austin-Healey Sprite vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1984 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 126 kg more than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. 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, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin-Healey Sprite | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Reliant |
| Model | Sprite | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1098 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3470 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1350 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2140 mm |
