1986 BMW M5 vs. 1976 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 BMW M5 is newer by 10 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 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1976 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 1976 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 254 kg more than 1976 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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Reliant Scimitar. (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Reliant Scimitar. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 1976 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1976 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 1976 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | M5 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 27 L |
