1998 Lotus 340 R vs. 1978 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1998 Lotus 340 R is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus 340 R (190 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus 340 R should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 590 kg more than 1998 Lotus 340 R.
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, 1978 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus 340 R. (198 Nm). This means 1978 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus 340 R. 1978 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus 340 R has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus 340 R will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus 340 R | 1978 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | 340 R | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 198 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 675 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3510 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2320 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 27 L |
