1996 Lotus Elan vs. 1970 Reliant Bug
To start off, 1996 Lotus Elan is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Reliant Bug. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Reliant Bug would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Lotus Elan (163 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 132 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Lotus Elan weights approximately 612 kg more than 1970 Reliant Bug. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Reliant Bug 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 1970 Reliant Bug. 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 152 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1996 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Lotus Elan | 1970 Reliant Bug | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elan | Bug |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 2800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1400 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 1960 mm |
