1964 Austin Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin Mini Cooper would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. (76 HP @ 5900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 196 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 1984 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 1984 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, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Austin Mini Cooper. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 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 | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1275 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 650 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2140 mm |
