1998 BMW 318 vs. 1976 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Reliant SE6 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Reliant SE6 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 145 kg more than 1976 Reliant SE6.
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, 1976 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1976 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1976 Reliant SE6 has manual transmission. 1976 Reliant SE6 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1976 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 318 | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
