1992 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1992 BMW 318 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 318 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 318 | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 318 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 27 L |
