1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1999 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 1999 Suzuki Vitara is newer by 18 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Suzuki Vitara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Suzuki Vitara (79 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Suzuki Vitara should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 456 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.
Because 1999 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Reliant Kitten. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Suzuki Vitara (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Suzuki Vitara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 1999 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Reliant | Suzuki |
| Model | Kitten | Vitara |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 996 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2490 mm |
