1971 Honda Z vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1981 Reliant Kitten is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Honda Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Honda Z 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 16 more horse power than 1971 Honda Z. (24 HP @ 7000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Kitten should accelerate faster than 1971 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Reliant Kitten weights approximately 30 kg more than 1971 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1971 Honda Z, 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 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Honda Z. (30 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1981 Reliant Kitten will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Honda Z.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Honda Z | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | Z | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 355 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 24 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 30 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 57.8 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2150 mm |
