1996 BMW 525 vs. 1983 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 BMW 525 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 525 (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 525 should accelerate faster than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 525 weights approximately 298 kg more than 1983 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 525 (279 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 525 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. 1983 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 525 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 525 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 525 | 1983 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 525 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 279 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1563 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 91 L |
