1987 Citroen Mehari vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1987 Citroen Mehari is newer by 7 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 848 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Reliant Kitten is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant Kitten (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (29 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant Kitten should accelerate faster than 1987 Citroen Mehari. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Citroen Mehari weights approximately 20 kg more than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Because 1980 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 1980 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Citroen Mehari, 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, 1980 Reliant Kitten (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Citroen Mehari. (39 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Reliant Kitten will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Citroen Mehari.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Citroen Mehari | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Citroen | Reliant |
| Model | Mehari | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 602 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3530 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2150 mm |
