2012 Lotus Exige vs. 1977 Reliant Scimitar
To start off, 2012 Lotus Exige is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Reliant Scimitar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Reliant Scimitar would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1977 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lotus Exige (240 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1977 Reliant Scimitar. (135 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1977 Reliant Scimitar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 323 kg more than 2012 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, 1977 Reliant Scimitar (236 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lotus Exige. (230 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1977 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lotus Exige. 1977 Reliant Scimitar has automatic transmission and 2012 Lotus Exige has manual transmission. 2012 Lotus Exige will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Reliant Scimitar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Lotus Exige | 1977 Reliant Scimitar | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Exige | Scimitar |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1977 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 2994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 942 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3797 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1727 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1158 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2299 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 27 L |
