1982 Reliant Kitten vs. 2012 Ford Transit Connect
To start off, 2012 Ford Transit Connect is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Ford Transit Connect is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Transit Connect (136 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1982 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Transit Connect should accelerate faster than 1982 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Transit Connect weights approximately 1009 kg more than 1982 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 Reliant Kitten is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1982 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Transit Connect, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ford Transit Connect (173 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Transit Connect will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Reliant Kitten. 2012 Ford Transit Connect has automatic transmission and 1982 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1982 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Transit Connect will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Reliant Kitten | 2012 Ford Transit Connect | |
| Make | Reliant | Ford |
| Model | Kitten | Transit Connect |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 846 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 136 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 173 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1544 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4587 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 2014 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2911 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 58 L |
