1978 Morgan 4 vs. 1997 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1997 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Morgan 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Morgan 4 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Morgan 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Reliant Scimitar (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Morgan 4. (85 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1978 Morgan 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 233 kg more than 1978 Morgan 4. 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, 1978 Morgan 4 (136 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Reliant Scimitar. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1978 Morgan 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Morgan 4 | 1997 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Morgan | Reliant |
| Model | 4 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 893 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2140 mm |
