1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1976 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1976 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 565 kg more than 1969 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, 1976 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1976 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1969 Lotus Elan has manual transmission. 1969 Lotus Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1969 Lotus Elan | 1976 Reliant Scimitar | |
Make | Lotus | Reliant |
Model | Elan | Scimitar |
Year Released | 1969 | 1976 |
Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2993 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 108 HP | 135 HP |
Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 147 Nm | 236 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 93.7 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 72.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Top Speed | 193 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 1265 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 4450 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1330 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2620 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 27 L |