1997 Caterham C21 vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1997 Caterham C21 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Caterham C21 (250 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Caterham C21 should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 575 kg more than 1997 Caterham C21.
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, 1997 Caterham C21 (252 Nm @ 5750 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Caterham C21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. 1980 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1997 Caterham C21 has manual transmission. 1997 Caterham C21 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Caterham C21 | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
Make | Caterham | Reliant |
Model | C21 | Scimitar |
Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2790 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 250 HP | 133 HP |
Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 252 Nm | 206 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 690 kg | 1265 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2640 mm |