2012 BMW 520 vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2012 BMW 520 is newer by 27 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 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 370 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, 2012 BMW 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW 520 | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 520 | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 8-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4899 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1464 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2968 mm | 2640 mm |
