1979 Reliant Kitten vs. 2012 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2012 Smart ForTwo is newer by 33 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 1,000 cc (3 cylinders), 2012 Smart ForTwo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Smart ForTwo (71 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1979 Reliant Kitten.
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, 2012 Smart ForTwo (125 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Reliant Kitten. 2012 Smart ForTwo has automatic transmission and 1979 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1979 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1979 Reliant Kitten | 2012 Smart ForTwo | |
Make | Reliant | Smart |
Model | Kitten | ForTwo |
Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Rear |
Engine Size | 848 cc | 1000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 40 HP | 71 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 63 Nm | 125 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |