2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,809 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 516 kg more than 1986 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | RX-8 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2140 mm |
