1990 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1990 BMW M3 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,467 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 BMW M3 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 BMW M3 weights approximately 360 kg more than 1986 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 M3 (240 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1990 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 BMW M3 | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | M3 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2467 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 6.5 seconds | 7.9 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2140 mm |
