1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1974 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1974 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Lotus Elise weights approximately 139 kg more than 1974 Reliant Rebel. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1974 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elise | Rebel |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
