2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1987 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 5,512 cc (12 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 442 more horse power than 1987 Reliant Scimitar. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1987 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1110 kg more than 1987 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, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (830 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 730 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Reliant Scimitar. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Reliant Scimitar. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1987 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1987 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1987 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | SL | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5512 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 830 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2140 mm |
