1979 Reliant Kitten vs. 2008 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2008 Subaru Forester is newer by 29 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Forester (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1979 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Subaru Forester weights approximately 900 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 2008 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1979 Reliant Kitten. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Subaru Forester (184 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Reliant Kitten | 2008 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Reliant | Subaru |
| Model | Kitten | Forester |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 184 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1435 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1600 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 60 L |
