1981 Mercury Lynx vs. 1983 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1983 Reliant Kitten is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercury Lynx. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercury Lynx would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Mercury Lynx is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercury Lynx (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1983 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx should accelerate faster than 1983 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercury Lynx weights approximately 415 kg more than 1983 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1981 Mercury Lynx (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Reliant Kitten. (64 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1981 Mercury Lynx will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Mercury Lynx | 1983 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercury | Reliant |
| Model | Lynx | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2150 mm |
