1996 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1979 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (317 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 277 more horse power than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1979 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 1305 kg more than 1979 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (471 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 408 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Reliant Kitten. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 1979 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1979 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1979 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | SL | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4973 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 317 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 471 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 96.5 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1840 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 27 L |
