2002 Caterham Superlight R vs. 1973 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2002 Caterham Superlight R is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1973 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Caterham Superlight R (190 HP @ 7500 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1973 Reliant Scimitar. (123 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Caterham Superlight R should accelerate faster than 1973 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 704 kg more than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
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, 1973 Reliant Scimitar (266 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Caterham Superlight R. (203 Nm @ 5750 RPM). This means 1973 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Caterham Superlight R.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Caterham Superlight R | 1973 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Caterham | Reliant |
| Model | Superlight R | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 266 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 490 kg | 1194 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3110 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 810 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2540 mm |
