1989 Austin Montego vs. 1997 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1997 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Austin Montego. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Austin Montego would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Austin Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Reliant Scimitar (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1989 Austin Montego. (85 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1989 Austin Montego. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Austin Montego weights approximately 217 kg more than 1997 Reliant Scimitar.
Because 1997 Reliant Scimitar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Austin Montego, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1989 Austin Montego (134 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Reliant Scimitar. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1989 Austin Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Austin Montego | 1997 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | Montego | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 893 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2140 mm |
