1964 Austin Mini Cooper vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1978 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin Mini Cooper would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. (76 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 615 kg more than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1964 Austin Mini Cooper, 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, 1978 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Mini Cooper | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 154 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 27 L |
