1999 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 5,789 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 695 kg more than 1978 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 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 304 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 1978 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1978 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | S | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5789 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 540 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 87 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1960 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5160 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 88 L | 27 L |
