1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2005 BMW 320
To start off, 2005 BMW 320 is newer by 24 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 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 BMW 320 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 BMW 320 weights approximately 1010 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, 2005 BMW 320 (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2005 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1981 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1981 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2005 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Reliant | BMW |
| Model | Kitten | 320 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 2171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 63 L |
