1973 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK (182 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1973 Reliant Scimitar. (123 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1973 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 241 kg more than 1973 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 Reliant Scimitar (266 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (250 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1973 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK has automatic transmission and 1973 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1973 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Reliant Scimitar | 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Reliant | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Scimitar | SLK |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 266 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4135 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2431 mm |
