2001 Lotus Exige vs. 1977 Reliant SE6
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1977 Reliant SE6. (133 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1977 Reliant SE6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 470 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
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, 1977 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Lotus Exige. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1977 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Lotus Exige | 1977 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Exige | SE6 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 177 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1190 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
