1991 Nissan Micra vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1991 Nissan Micra is newer by 11 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 988 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Nissan Micra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Nissan Micra (49 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Nissan Micra should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 Nissan Micra weights approximately 130 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.
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, 1991 Nissan Micra, 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, 1991 Nissan Micra (73 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1991 Nissan Micra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Nissan Micra | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Nissan | Reliant |
| Model | Micra | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 988 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 665 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2150 mm |
