1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1969 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1969 Reliant Scimitar. (123 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1969 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 14 kg more than 1988 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, 1969 Reliant Scimitar (266 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1969 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1969 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Esprit | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 266 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2540 mm |
