1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2012 Ascari KZ1
To start off, 2012 Ascari KZ1 is newer by 31 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 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ascari KZ1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ascari KZ1 (500 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 460 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ascari KZ1 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ascari KZ1 weights approximately 810 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, 2012 Ascari KZ1 (550 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 487 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Ascari KZ1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2012 Ascari KZ1 | |
| Make | Reliant | Ascari |
| Model | Kitten | KZ1 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 500 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1852 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1138 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2636 mm |
