1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 32 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 4,395 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (439 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 399 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 1440 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (651 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 588 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2013 BMW 5 Series 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. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Reliant | BMW |
| Model | Kitten | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 4395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 439 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 651 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4905 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 2094 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
