1954 BMW 502 vs. 1985 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1985 Reliant SE6 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 BMW 502. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 BMW 502 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Reliant SE6 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1954 BMW 502. (100 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Reliant SE6 should accelerate faster than 1954 BMW 502. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 BMW 502 weights approximately 156 kg more than 1985 Reliant SE6.
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, 1985 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1954 BMW 502. (221 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1954 BMW 502.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 BMW 502 | 1985 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 502 | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2578 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 1254 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2650 mm |
