1981 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2012 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2012 Lotus Elise is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 388 kg more than 2012 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, 1981 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Scimitar | 2012 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Reliant | Lotus |
| Model | Scimitar | Elise |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2790 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 912 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 |
