1994 Lotus Esprit vs. 1978 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1994 Lotus Esprit is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Lotus Esprit (264 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1978 Reliant SE6. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant SE6.
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, 1994 Lotus Esprit (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant SE6. (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1994 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant SE6.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Lotus Esprit | 1978 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Esprit | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2172 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 264 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 480 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2650 mm |
