2006 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 28 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 5,441 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (494 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 359 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 520 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.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 464 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1978 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1978 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | SL | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5441 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 494 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 700 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 27 L |
