1999 Lotus Esprit vs. 1985 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 1999 Lotus Esprit is newer by 14 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 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1999 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Lotus Esprit (350 HP) has 255 more horse power than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (95 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 491 kg more than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. 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, 1999 Lotus Esprit (400 Nm) has 268 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Reliant Scimitar. (132 Nm). This means 1999 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Lotus Esprit | 1985 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Esprit | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 95 HP |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1378 kg | 887 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2140 mm |
