2001 BMW 318 vs. 1988 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2001 BMW 318 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 BMW 318 (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1988 Reliant Scimitar. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1988 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 318 weights approximately 582 kg more than 1988 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, 2001 BMW 318 (200 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Reliant Scimitar. (109 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Reliant Scimitar. 2001 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1988 Reliant Scimitar has manual transmission. 1988 Reliant Scimitar will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 318 | 1988 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 318 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 200 Nm | 109 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1428 kg | 846 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2140 mm |
