1964 Lotus Elan vs. 1997 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1997 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1964 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Reliant Scimitar (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1964 Lotus Elan. (100 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1964 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 303 kg more than 1964 Lotus Elan. 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, 1964 Lotus Elan (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Reliant Scimitar. (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1964 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Lotus Elan | 1997 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elan | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 590 kg | 893 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2140 mm |
