1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III vs. 1983 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1983 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III would be higher. At 2,912 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III (146 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III should accelerate faster than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 120 kg more than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III.
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, 1983 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. (166 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III. 1983 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III has manual transmission. 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1965 Austin-Healey 3000 Mk III | 1983 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Reliant |
| Model | 3000 Mk III | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1965 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2912 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.4 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2640 mm |
