1986 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 7 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 1,115 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1979 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 335 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, 1986 Ford Escort, 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, 1986 Ford Escort (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1979 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Escort | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 27 L |
