1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1978 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1978 Reliant SE6 is newer by 9 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 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Reliant SE6 (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (116 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Reliant SE6 should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 400 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, 1978 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1978 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elan | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2650 mm |
