1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1978 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, 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | 280 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2746 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2640 mm |
