2005 Mercury Sable vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2005 Mercury Sable is newer by 27 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 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Sable weights approximately 300 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.
Because 1978 Reliant Scimitar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Reliant Scimitar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Sable, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Sable | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mercury | Reliant |
| Model | Sable | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2982 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 27 L |
