1978 Reliant Kitten vs. 2008 Seat Leon
To start off, 2008 Seat Leon is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,983 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Seat Leon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Seat Leon (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Seat Leon should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Seat Leon weights approximately 725 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, 2008 Seat Leon, 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, 2008 Seat Leon (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Seat Leon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Reliant Kitten | 2008 Seat Leon | |
| Make | Reliant | Seat |
| Model | Kitten | Leon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 846 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
