1973 Mercury Cougar vs. 1995 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1995 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1995 Reliant Scimitar. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1995 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 757 kg more than 1995 Reliant Scimitar. 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Reliant Scimitar. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Mercury Cougar | 1995 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mercury | Reliant |
| Model | Cougar | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 893 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2140 mm |
