1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2010 BMW 120
To start off, 2010 BMW 120 is newer by 29 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 BMW 120 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 BMW 120 (175 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 BMW 120 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 BMW 120 weights approximately 786 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, 2010 BMW 120 (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2010 BMW 120 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. 2010 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2010 BMW 120 | |
| Make | Reliant | BMW |
| Model | Kitten | 120 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1326 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 51 L |
