2009 BMW 118 vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2009 BMW 118 is newer by 28 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2009 BMW 118. (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 118. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 118 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1981 Reliant Scimitar.
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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 118. (180 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 118. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW 118 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 118 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 118 | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 118 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2640 mm |
