2011 BMW 125 vs. 1981 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2011 BMW 125 is newer by 30 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 2,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 125 (216 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 125 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 125 weights approximately 55 kg more than 1981 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, 2011 BMW 125 (270 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 125 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. 1981 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2011 BMW 125 has manual transmission. 2011 BMW 125 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:
| 2011 BMW 125 | 1981 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 125 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2996 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 216 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 207 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2640 mm |
