1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1981 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (170 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 5 kg more than 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280.
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, 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 has manual transmission. 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | 280 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2778 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1295 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2640 mm |
