1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. Both 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata and 1984 Reliant Scimitar are equipped with a 1,598 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (96 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 119 kg more than 1984 Reliant Scimitar.
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, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| 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 | 965 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2140 mm |
