1996 AC Cobra vs. 1982 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 AC Cobra is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 AC Cobra (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 232 more horse power than 1982 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1982 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 274 kg more than 1996 AC Cobra.
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, 1996 AC Cobra (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 373 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Reliant Scimitar. 1982 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1996 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1996 AC Cobra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 AC Cobra | 1982 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | AC | Reliant |
| Model | Cobra | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2640 mm |
