1975 Reliant Kitten vs. 2004 Saturn ION
To start off, 2004 Saturn ION is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Saturn ION (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1975 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1975 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Saturn ION weights approximately 715 kg more than 1975 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Saturn ION, 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, 2004 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Reliant Kitten | 2004 Saturn ION | |
| Make | Reliant | Saturn |
| Model | Kitten | ION |
| Year Released | 1975 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 2187 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 197 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2630 mm |
