1998 Lotus Elise vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,790 cc (6 cylinders), 1985 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 586 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
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, 1985 Reliant Scimitar (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 13 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Lotus Elise. (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1985 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Lotus Elise. 1985 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 1998 Lotus Elise has manual transmission. 1998 Lotus Elise will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1985 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Lotus Elise | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elise | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 193 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 714 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3740 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
