1976 Reliant Kitten vs. 2009 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2009 Smart ForTwo is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 999 cc (3 cylinders), 2009 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Smart ForTwo (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1976 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1976 Reliant Kitten.
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, 2009 Smart ForTwo (92 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Reliant Kitten | 2009 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Reliant | Smart |
| Model | Kitten | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 81.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 2700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 1870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 33 L |
