2008 BMW 325 vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2008 BMW 325 is newer by 27 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 325 weights approximately 235 kg more than 1981 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, 2008 BMW 325 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 325 | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 325 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2640 mm |
