2008 BMW 523 vs. 1978 Reliant SE6
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1978 Reliant SE6. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant SE6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 523 weights approximately 240 kg more than 1978 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, 1978 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 1978 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 523 | SE6 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
