2008 BMW 318 vs. 1982 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2008 BMW 318 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2008 BMW 318. (127 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 318 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1982 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, 1982 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1982 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 318. 1982 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 318 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 318 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 318 | 1982 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 318 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 27 L |
