1989 Ford Escort vs. 1975 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1989 Ford Escort is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Escort (59 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1975 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1975 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Escort weights approximately 392 kg more than 1975 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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, 1989 Ford Escort (110 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Escort | 1975 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Escort | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 21.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 538 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 27 L |
