1980 BMW 316 vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 BMW 316. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 BMW 316 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (95 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1980 BMW 316. (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1980 BMW 316. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 BMW 316 weights approximately 183 kg more than 1985 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, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 BMW 316. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 BMW 316.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 BMW 316 | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 316 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1573 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1070 kg | 887 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2140 mm |
