1990 BMW 316 vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1990 BMW 316 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW 316 (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (95 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW 316 weights approximately 193 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, 1990 BMW 316 (141 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW 316 | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 316 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 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 | 1080 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 |
