1998 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1998 Reliant Scimitar. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1998 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 497 kg more than 1998 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, 2010 Mazda RX-8 (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Reliant Scimitar. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Reliant Scimitar | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Reliant | Mazda |
| Model | Scimitar | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 893 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2700 mm |
