2008 BMW M3 vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Scimitar 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 205 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 355 kg more than 1980 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | M3 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2640 mm |
