1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1996 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1996 Toyota MR2 is newer by 15 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 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota MR2 (74 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 1075 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, 1996 Toyota MR2 (131 Nm) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm). This means 1996 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 1996 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Reliant | Toyota |
| Model | Kitten | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 75 L |
