1988 BMW 525 vs. 1983 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1988 BMW 525 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 525 (168 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 525 weights approximately 195 kg more than 1983 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, 1988 BMW 525 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. 1983 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 525 | 1983 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 525 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 91 L |
