1952 Austin A 40 vs. 1977 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1977 Reliant Kitten is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1952 Austin A 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Austin A 40 (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1977 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1952 Austin A 40 should accelerate faster than 1977 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A 40 weights approximately 455 kg more than 1977 Reliant Kitten. 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, 1952 Austin A 40 (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1952 Austin A 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A 40 | 1977 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A 40 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65.5 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 27 L |
