1988 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1998 Toyota MR2 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Toyota MR2 (173 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1988 Reliant Scimitar. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1988 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 389 kg more than 1988 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, 1998 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Reliant Scimitar. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Reliant Scimitar | 1998 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Reliant | Toyota |
| Model | Scimitar | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1392 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 846 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2410 mm |
