1984 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1984 Lotus Esprit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1980 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lotus Esprit (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 198 kg more than 1984 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, 1984 Lotus Esprit (217 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Esprit | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 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 |
| Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2640 mm |
