2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1973 Reliant Rebel
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Reliant Rebel. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Reliant Rebel would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (186 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1973 Reliant Rebel. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1973 Reliant Rebel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 210 kg more than 1973 Reliant Rebel. 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, 2009 Lotus Elise (133 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Reliant Rebel. (52 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Reliant Rebel.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1973 Reliant Rebel | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elise | Rebel |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 186 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 60.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 61 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2270 mm |
