1979 Mazda 121 vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1980 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda 121. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda 121 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1979 Mazda 121. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda 121. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 166 kg more than 1979 Mazda 121. 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, 1980 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda 121. (160 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda 121.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mazda 121 | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | 121 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 160 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1134 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2640 mm |
