2005 Morgan Aero 8 vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2005 Morgan Aero 8 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 4,398 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Morgan Aero 8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Morgan Aero 8 (321 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Morgan Aero 8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 168 kg more than 2005 Morgan Aero 8.
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 Morgan Aero 8 (447 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 241 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Morgan Aero 8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Morgan Aero 8 | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Morgan | Reliant |
| Model | Aero 8 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4398 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1132 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2640 mm |
