1962 BMW 1800 vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1981 Reliant Kitten is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 BMW 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 BMW 1800 would be higher. At 1,771 cc (4 cylinders), 1962 BMW 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1962 BMW 1800 (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1962 BMW 1800 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1962 BMW 1800 weights approximately 503 kg more than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 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, 1962 BMW 1800 (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1962 BMW 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 BMW 1800 | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 1800 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1771 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1043 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 27 L |
