1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1986 Reliant SE6
To start off, 1986 Reliant SE6 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 2,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 Reliant SE6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Reliant SE6 (133 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Reliant SE6 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Reliant SE6 weights approximately 710 kg more than 1981 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1986 Reliant SE6 (233 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Reliant SE6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 1986 Reliant SE6 | |
| Make | Reliant | Reliant |
| Model | Kitten | SE6 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 2992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 133 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2650 mm |
