1958 Abarth 500 vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1980 Reliant Kitten is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 500 would be higher. At 848 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Reliant Kitten is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant Kitten (39 HP) has 19 more horse power than 1958 Abarth 500. (20 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant Kitten should accelerate faster than 1958 Abarth 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Reliant Kitten weights approximately 90 kg more than 1958 Abarth 500. 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, 1980 Reliant Kitten (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 500. (32 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant Kitten will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 500.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 500 | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Abarth | Reliant |
| Model | 500 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 479 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 39 HP |
| Torque | 32 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 445 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 27 L |
