1978 Reliant Kitten vs. 1973 Renault 12
To start off, 1978 Reliant Kitten is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Renault 12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Renault 12 would be higher. At 1,288 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Renault 12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Renault 12 (53 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Renault 12 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Renault 12 weights approximately 365 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, 1973 Renault 12, 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, 1973 Renault 12 (94 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Renault 12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Reliant Kitten | 1973 Renault 12 | |
Make | Reliant | Renault |
Model | Kitten | 12 |
Year Released | 1978 | 1973 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 846 cc | 1288 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 40 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
Torque | 63 Nm | 94 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 73 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 77 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 900 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4350 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2450 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 56 L |