1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 vs. 1977 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 2,745 cc (6 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (185 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 146 more horse power than 1977 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 should accelerate faster than 1977 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 weights approximately 1025 kg more than 1977 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, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 (240 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Reliant Kitten. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 has automatic transmission and 1977 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1977 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Mercedes-Benz 280 | 1977 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | 280 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2745 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 185 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2150 mm |
