2006 Lotus Elise vs. 1971 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2006 Lotus Elise is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1971 Reliant Scimitar. (123 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1971 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 404 kg more than 2006 Lotus Elise.
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, 1971 Reliant Scimitar (266 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Lotus Elise. (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1971 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Lotus Elise | 1971 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elise | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 266 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 786 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1150 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2540 mm |
