1978 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2013 BMW M5
To start off, 2013 BMW M5 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 4,395 cc (10 cylinders), 2013 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW M5 (493 HP @ 7750 RPM) has 358 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW M5 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1978 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, 2013 BMW M5 (519 Nm @ 6100 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Reliant Scimitar | 2013 BMW M5 | |
| Make | Reliant | BMW |
| Model | Scimitar | M5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 7750 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 519 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.4 mm | 75 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4863 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1846 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1469 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2889 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
