1972 Citroen SM vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1978 Reliant Kitten is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Citroen SM. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Citroen SM would be higher. At 2,669 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Citroen SM is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Citroen SM (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Citroen SM weights approximately 915 kg more than 1978 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1972 Citroen SM, 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, 1972 Citroen SM (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Citroen SM will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Citroen SM | 1978 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Citroen | Reliant |
| Model | SM | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2669 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 25 L | 27 L |
