1980 Austin Mini Metro vs. 1982 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1982 Reliant Kitten is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Austin Mini Metro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Austin Mini Metro would be higher. At 998 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Austin Mini Metro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Austin Mini Metro (45 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1982 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Austin Mini Metro should accelerate faster than 1982 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Austin Mini Metro weights approximately 212 kg more than 1982 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Austin Mini Metro, 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, 1980 Austin Mini Metro (73 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Austin Mini Metro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Austin Mini Metro | 1982 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Austin | Reliant |
| Model | Mini Metro | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 998 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 747 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1550 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 27 L |
