1983 Lotus Esprit vs. 1972 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1983 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. (138 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1972 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 40 kg more than 1983 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, 1972 Reliant Scimitar (260 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Lotus Esprit. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1972 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lotus Esprit | 1972 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Esprit | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 260 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2540 mm |
