1993 Lotus Esprit vs. 1986 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1993 Lotus Esprit is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1986 Reliant SE6. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1986 Reliant SE6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1993 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, 1986 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1993 Lotus Esprit. (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1993 Lotus Esprit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lotus Esprit | 1986 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Esprit | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2650 mm |
