1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 1989 Suzuki Swift
To start off, 1989 Suzuki Swift is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Suzuki Swift is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Suzuki Swift (66 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Swift should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Suzuki Swift weights approximately 299 kg more than 1980 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Suzuki Swift, 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, 1989 Suzuki Swift (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Suzuki Swift will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 1989 Suzuki Swift | |
| Make | Reliant | Suzuki |
| Model | Kitten | Swift |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 66 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 3750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 40 L |
