1998 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1978 Reliant Scimitar.
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, 1978 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (169 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1978 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 318 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1445 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 27 L |
