1961 Austin Mini Cooper 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 Mini Cooper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Austin Mini Cooper would be higher. At 948 cc (4 cylinders), 1961 Austin Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper (54 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Austin Mini Cooper weights approximately 49 kg more than 1980 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 Reliant Kitten is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1980 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Austin Mini Cooper, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Mini Cooper (74 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1961 Austin Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Austin Mini Cooper | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | Mini Cooper | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 74 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 584 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3050 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 27 L |
