2005 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Reliant SE6
To start off, 2005 BMW M3 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW M3 (323 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1980 Reliant SE6. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant SE6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW M3 weights approximately 450 kg more than 1980 Reliant SE6. 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, 2005 BMW M3 (372 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant SE6. (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant SE6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 BMW M3 | 1980 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | M3 | SE6 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 323 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 372 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2650 mm |
