1963 Abarth 1600 vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1981 Reliant Kitten is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Abarth 1600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Abarth 1600 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 Abarth 1600 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Abarth 1600 (155 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 Abarth 1600 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Abarth 1600 weights approximately 204 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, 1963 Abarth 1600 (167 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Abarth 1600 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Abarth 1600 | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Abarth | Reliant |
| Model | 1600 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 68.5 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 744 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3710 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2150 mm |
