2004 Lotus Esprit vs. 1984 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2004 Lotus Esprit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Lotus Esprit (241 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 5 kg more than 1984 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, 2004 Lotus Esprit (294 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Reliant Scimitar. 1984 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2004 Lotus Esprit has manual transmission. 2004 Lotus Esprit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Lotus Esprit | 1984 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Esprit | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 241 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 | Automatic |
| 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 |
