2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1978 Reliant SE6
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant SE6. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant SE6 would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1978 Reliant SE6. (134 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant SE6. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 320 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Lotus Exige (236 Nm @ 7000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant SE6. (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant SE6.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1978 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Exige | SE6 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2650 mm |
