2008 BMW M3 vs. 1970 Reliant Bug

To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 38 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Reliant Bug. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Reliant Bug would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 307 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 1247 kg more than 1970 Reliant Bug. 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug.

Compare all specifications:

2008 BMW M3 1970 Reliant Bug
Make BMW Reliant
Model M3 Bug
Year Released 2008 1970
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3246 cc 701 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 338 HP 31 HP
Engine RPM 7900 RPM 5000 RPM
Torque 365 Nm 52 Nm
Torque RPM 4900 RPM 2500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 87.1 mm 60.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 91 mm 61 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.5:1 8.4:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 4 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1655 kg 408 kg
Vehicle Length 4500 mm 2800 mm
Vehicle Width 1790 mm 1400 mm
Vehicle Height 1380 mm 1280 mm
Wheelbase Size 2740 mm 1960 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 23 L