1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1981 Lotus Esprit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (208 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1978 Reliant SE6. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant SE6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 50 kg more than 1981 Lotus Esprit.
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, 1981 Lotus Esprit (277 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant SE6. (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant SE6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Esprit | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 277 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2650 mm |
