2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1979 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Reliant Scimitar. (136 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1979 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 311 kg more than 2009 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, 1979 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Lotus Elise. (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM). This means 1979 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Lotus Elise.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1979 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elise | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 954 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 27 L |
