2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (108 HP @ 8200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 140 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (140 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2009 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 1984 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1984 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | RX-8 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 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 |
