1961 BMW 700 vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 BMW 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 BMW 700 would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1961 BMW 700. (38 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1961 BMW 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 640 kg more than 1961 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, 1986 Reliant Scimitar (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 BMW 700. (52 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 BMW 700.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 BMW 700 | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 700 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 697 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 52 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 660 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2640 mm |
