1977 BMW 520 vs. 1976 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1977 BMW 520 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1977 BMW 520. (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1977 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 BMW 520 weights approximately 300 kg more than 1976 Reliant Scimitar.
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, 1977 BMW 520 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1977 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Reliant Scimitar. 1976 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1977 BMW 520 has manual transmission. 1977 BMW 520 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 BMW 520 | 1976 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 520 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1951 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Top Speed | 206 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 27 L |
