1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 2010 Mazda 2
To start off, 2010 Mazda 2 is newer by 30 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 1,347 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mazda 2 (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mazda 2 weights approximately 420 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, 2010 Mazda 2, 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, 2010 Mazda 2 (122 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 2010 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Reliant | Mazda |
| Model | Kitten | 2 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1347 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 955 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 43 L |
