1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1978 Reliant Kitten is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 would be higher. At 2,305 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (109 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 weights approximately 840 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.
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, 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 (185 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Mercedes-Benz 230 | 1978 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | 230 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2305 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 185 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.7 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4650 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 27 L |
