1969 Lotus Elan vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1984 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 15 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (135 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1969 Lotus Elan. (118 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1969 Lotus Elan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 376 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, 1984 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1969 Lotus Elan. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1969 Lotus Elan. 1984 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. 1984 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Lotus Elan | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elan | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1558 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 889 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 27 L |
