1961 Austin A vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1980 Reliant Kitten is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin A would be higher. At 1,489 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant Kitten (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1961 Austin A. (38 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant Kitten should accelerate faster than 1961 Austin A. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin A weights approximately 610 kg more than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
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, 1961 Austin A (87 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Austin A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin A | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | A | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1489 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 27 L |
