1978 Reliant SE6 vs. 2012 BMW 135
To start off, 2012 BMW 135 is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 135 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 166 more horse power than 1978 Reliant SE6. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 135 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant SE6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 135 weights approximately 400 kg more than 1978 Reliant SE6. 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, 2012 BMW 135 (406 Nm @ 1300 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant SE6. (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 135 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant SE6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Reliant SE6 | 2012 BMW 135 | |
| Make | Reliant | BMW |
| Model | SE6 | 135 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 233 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1250 kg | 1650 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4374 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1412 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2659 mm |
