2002 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2002 BMW 318 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2002 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 318 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1981 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, 2002 BMW 318 (281 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 318 | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 318 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2640 mm |
