1961 Austin 7 vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1978 Reliant Kitten is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin 7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin 7 would be higher. At 848 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Reliant Kitten (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1961 Austin 7. (33 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Reliant Kitten should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin 7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin 7 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Let's talk about torque, 1978 Reliant Kitten (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Austin 7. (60 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Reliant Kitten will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Austin 7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin 7 | 1978 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | 7 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 610 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 27 L |
