1971 BMW 3 vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1984 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 BMW 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 BMW 3 would be higher. At 2,986 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 BMW 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 BMW 3 (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 BMW 3 should accelerate faster than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 BMW 3 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1984 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, 1971 BMW 3 (255 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 BMW 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 BMW 3 | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 3 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2986 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4740 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2640 mm |
