1975 Austin Maxi vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1980 Reliant Kitten is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Austin Maxi. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Austin Maxi would be higher. At 1,483 cc (4 cylinders), 1975 Austin Maxi is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Austin Maxi (69 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Austin Maxi should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Austin Maxi weights approximately 445 kg more than 1980 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 Austin Maxi, 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, 1975 Austin Maxi (104 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Austin Maxi will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Austin Maxi | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | Maxi | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1483 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 104 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 27 L |
