1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1963 Reliant Sabre 4
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 would be higher. At 1,703 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. (70 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 223 kg more than 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Lotus Elan (204 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Reliant Sabre 4. (123 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Reliant Sabre 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1963 Reliant Sabre 4 | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elan | Sabre 4 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1703 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 797 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2290 mm |
