1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1971 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1971 Reliant Scimitar. (123 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1971 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 165 kg more than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1971 Reliant Scimitar (266 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1971 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1971 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 162 Nm | 266 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2540 mm |
