1981 Lotus Esprit vs. 1986 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1986 Reliant Scimitar is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Lotus Esprit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Lotus Esprit would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Lotus Esprit (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 198 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 (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Lotus Esprit | 1986 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Esprit | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 27 L |
