1996 BMW M3 vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1996 BMW M3 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 3,001 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW M3 (326 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 230 more horse power than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (96 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW M3 weights approximately 742 kg more than 1984 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 M3 (305 Nm) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (132 Nm). This means 1996 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW M3 | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | M3 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3001 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 326 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2140 mm |
