1986 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1986 Lotus Esprit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 2,172 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Lotus Esprit (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 532 kg more than 1980 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, 1986 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5250 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
1986 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
Make | Lotus | Reliant |
Model | Esprit | Kitten |
Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 2172 cc | 848 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 160 HP | 39 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 221 Nm | 63 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1067 kg | 535 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3330 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2150 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 27 L |