2005 BMW 318 vs. 1972 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2005 BMW 318 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Reliant Scimitar (138 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2005 BMW 318. (113 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 2005 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 318 weights approximately 448 kg more than 1972 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, 2005 BMW 318 (280 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. (260 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW 318 | 1972 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 318 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2540 mm |
