1979 Reliant Kitten vs. 2005 Saturn ION
To start off, 2005 Saturn ION 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 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn ION is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn ION (138 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn ION should accelerate faster than 1979 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn ION weights approximately 665 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 Saturn ION, 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 Saturn ION (197 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Saturn ION will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Reliant Kitten | 2005 Saturn ION | |
Make | Reliant | Saturn |
Model | Kitten | ION |
Year Released | 1979 | 2005 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 848 cc | 2189 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 40 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 63 Nm | 197 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 94 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1200 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4690 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 49 L |