1993 Lada Niva vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1993 Lada Niva is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Lada Niva (76 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Lada Niva weights approximately 612 kg more than 1981 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1993 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Reliant Kitten. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1993 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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, 1993 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1993 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Lada Niva | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Lada | Reliant |
| Model | Niva | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1452 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 27 L |
