1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1977 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 11 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 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (215 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1977 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1977 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 653 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.
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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (298 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1977 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Esprit | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 95.3 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 31 L | 27 L |
