1979 Reliant Kitten vs. 2005 Renault Clio
To start off, 2005 Renault Clio is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,460 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Clio (73 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1979 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Clio weights approximately 630 kg more than 1979 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Renault Clio, 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, 2005 Renault Clio (105 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Reliant Kitten | 2005 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Reliant | Renault |
| Model | Kitten | Clio |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1460 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 17.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
