1966 Lotus Elan vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1981 Reliant Kitten is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Lotus Elan weights approximately 156 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Lotus Elan | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elan | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1557 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.8 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 696 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 27 L |
