1996 BMW 316 vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 BMW 316 is newer by 10 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 1,594 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 316 (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 316 weights approximately 470 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, 1996 BMW 316 (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 316 | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 316 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2140 mm |
