1996 BMW 535 vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1996 BMW 535 is newer by 16 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 3,498 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 535 (235 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 535 weights approximately 1075 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.
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, 1996 BMW 535 (320 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 535 | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 535 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3498 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1610 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 27 L |
