1981 BMW 528 vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 BMW 528. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 BMW 528 would be higher. At 2,788 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 BMW 528 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 BMW 528 (181 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (95 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 BMW 528 should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 BMW 528 weights approximately 413 kg more than 1985 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, 1981 BMW 528 (240 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 BMW 528 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 BMW 528 | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 528 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2788 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 181 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 887 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2140 mm |
