2005 Lotus Exige vs. 1983 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2005 Lotus Exige is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lotus Exige (243 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. (133 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 370 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 30 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Reliant Scimitar. (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Reliant Scimitar.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lotus Exige | 1983 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Exige | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 243 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 236 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 68.5 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 1300 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
