1984 Lancia Thema vs. 1979 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1984 Lancia Thema is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Lancia Thema (163 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1979 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Lancia Thema weights approximately 615 kg more than 1979 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Lancia Thema, 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, 1984 Lancia Thema (290 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Lancia Thema | 1979 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Lancia | Reliant |
| Model | Thema | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 290 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 27 L |
