2012 Mercedes-Benz E vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 31 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (201 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 560 kg more than 1981 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz E (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 293 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | E | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2143 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 7-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1825 kg | 1265 kg |
