1984 Reliant Scimitar vs. 2011 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2011 Lotus Exige is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Exige weights approximately 102 kg more than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Lotus Exige (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Reliant Scimitar | 2011 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Reliant | Lotus |
| Model | Scimitar | Exige |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 8000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 942 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3797 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1727 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1158 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2299 mm |
