2009 BMW 120 vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2009 BMW 120 is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 120 (169 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (95 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 120 weights approximately 498 kg more than 1985 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, 2009 BMW 120 (210 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (132 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 120 | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 120 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 95 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 887 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2140 mm |
