2008 BMW M3 vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2008 BMW M3 is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 3,246 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (339 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 271 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 730 kg more than 1986 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | M3 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 339 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| 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 | 1570 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2140 mm |
