1983 Lancia Beta vs. 1977 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1983 Lancia Beta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Lancia Beta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Lancia Beta (135 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1977 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta should accelerate faster than 1977 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Lancia Beta weights approximately 660 kg more than 1977 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Lancia Beta, 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, 1983 Lancia Beta (207 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 144 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Lancia Beta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Lancia Beta | 1977 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Beta | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 207 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 27 L |
