1974 Lotus Eclat vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1985 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Eclat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Eclat would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Eclat (160 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Eclat should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 285 kg more than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
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, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Eclat. (191 Nm @ 4900 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Eclat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Lotus Eclat | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Eclat | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.3 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 91 L |
