1961 Mini MK I vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1981 Reliant Kitten is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Mini MK I. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Mini MK I would be higher. At 848 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Reliant Kitten is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Reliant Kitten (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1961 Mini MK I. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Kitten should accelerate faster than 1961 Mini MK I. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Mini MK I weights approximately 75 kg more than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Because 1981 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 1981 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Mini MK I, 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, 1981 Reliant Kitten (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Mini MK I. (60 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Kitten will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Mini MK I.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Mini MK I | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mini | Reliant |
| Model | MK I | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 847 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 34 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 615 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3060 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2040 mm | 2150 mm |
