2000 Caterham 7 vs. 1975 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2000 Caterham 7 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Caterham 7 (170 HP @ 10750 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1975 Reliant Scimitar. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Caterham 7 should accelerate faster than 1975 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 853 kg more than 2000 Caterham 7.
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, 1975 Reliant Scimitar (260 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Caterham 7. (125 Nm @ 8250 RPM). This means 1975 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Caterham 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Caterham 7 | 1975 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Caterham | Reliant |
| Model | 7 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1137 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 10750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 8250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 93.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 440 kg | 1293 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1010 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2640 mm |
