1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 2011 Mercury Milan
To start off, 2011 Mercury Milan is newer by 31 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercury Milan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercury Milan (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercury Milan should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercury Milan weights approximately 991 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, 2011 Mercury Milan, 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, 2011 Mercury Milan (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Mercury Milan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 2011 Mercury Milan has automatic transmission and 1980 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1980 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mercury Milan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 2011 Mercury Milan | |
| Make | Reliant | Mercury |
| Model | Kitten | Milan |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1526 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4801 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1445 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 66 L |
