1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 15 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. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (137 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 190 kg more than 1984 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, 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1984 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1984 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1840 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2140 mm |
