1998 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1964 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL (349 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1964 Reliant Scimitar. (120 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1964 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 817 kg more than 1964 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (530 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 340 more torque (in Nm) than 1964 Reliant Scimitar. (190 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1964 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1964 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | SL | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1964 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 349 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1820 kg | 1003 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2340 mm |
