1978 Reliant Kitten vs. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
To start off, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is newer by 34 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer weights approximately 790 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, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer, 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, 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer (198 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 135 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Reliant Kitten | 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer | |
| Make | Reliant | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Kitten | Lancer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 846 cc | 2000 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 | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1325 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4572 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1763 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 59 L |
