1992 BMW 520 vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1992 BMW 520 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW 520 (148 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 BMW 520 weights approximately 223 kg more than 1981 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 BMW 520. (190 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 BMW 520.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 BMW 520 | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 520 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1488 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
