1978 Reliant Kitten vs. 2013 BMW M3
To start off, 2013 BMW M3 is newer by 35 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 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW M3 (408 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 368 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW M3 weights approximately 1145 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, 2013 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Reliant Kitten | 2013 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Reliant | BMW |
| Model | Kitten | M3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 846 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 12.0 : 1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4618 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1976 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1418 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |
