1957 Lotus Seven vs. 1983 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1983 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Lotus Seven. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Lotus Seven would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Reliant Scimitar (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1957 Lotus Seven. (126 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1957 Lotus Seven. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 550 kg more than 1957 Lotus Seven. 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, 1983 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Lotus Seven. (153 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1983 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Lotus Seven.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Lotus Seven | 1983 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Seven | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 750 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3370 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 950 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2640 mm |
