2003 Lotus Esprit vs. 1982 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2003 Lotus Esprit is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1982 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Lotus Esprit (240 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 1982 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1982 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 5 kg more than 1982 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, 2003 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Lotus Esprit | 1982 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Esprit | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1982 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1973 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2640 mm |
