1977 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (217 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1977 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1977 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 339 kg more than 2011 Lotus Elise.
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, 1977 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lotus Elise. (210 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Reliant Scimitar | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Reliant | Lotus |
| Model | Scimitar | Elise |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2299 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 44 L |
