2003 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2003 BMW M3 is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 602 kg more than 1986 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (187 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | M3 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1809 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 220 km/hour | 203 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1442 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2140 mm |
