1959 BMW 700 vs. 1974 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1974 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 BMW 700 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Reliant Scimitar (123 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1959 BMW 700. (39 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1959 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 560 kg more than 1959 BMW 700. 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, 1974 Reliant Scimitar (267 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 BMW 700. (50 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 BMW 700 | 1974 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 700 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1974 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 695 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 50 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 630 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2540 mm |
