1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 2005 Suzuki Samurai
To start off, 2005 Suzuki Samurai is newer by 25 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Suzuki Samurai is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Suzuki Samurai (62 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Suzuki Samurai should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Suzuki Samurai weights approximately 645 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 2005 Suzuki Samurai is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Reliant Kitten. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Suzuki Samurai 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, 2005 Suzuki Samurai (116 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Suzuki Samurai will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 2005 Suzuki Samurai | |
| Make | Reliant | Suzuki |
| Model | Kitten | Samurai |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1540 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1700 mm |
