2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1977 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1977 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1977 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 91 kg more than 1977 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, 1977 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 1977 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1977 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | RX-8 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 27 L |
