1972 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2011 BMW 120
To start off, 2011 BMW 120 is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 120 (168 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 120 weights approximately 418 kg more than 1972 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, 2011 BMW 120 (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. (260 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Reliant Scimitar | 2011 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Reliant | BMW |
| Model | Scimitar | 120 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.9:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 195 km/hour | 218 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2670 mm |
