1963 Mini MK I vs. 1976 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1976 Reliant Kitten is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Mini MK I. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Mini MK I would be higher. Both 1963 Mini MK I and 1976 Reliant Kitten are equipped with a 848 cc engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Reliant Kitten (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1963 Mini MK I. (34 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Reliant Kitten should accelerate faster than 1963 Mini MK I. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Mini MK I weights approximately 80 kg more than 1976 Reliant Kitten.
Because 1976 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 1976 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1963 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, 1976 Reliant Kitten (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Mini MK I. (60 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1976 Reliant Kitten will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Mini MK I.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Mini MK I | 1976 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mini | Reliant |
| Model | MK I | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 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 | 535 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 |
