1997 BMW 316 vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1997 BMW 316 is newer by 16 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 BMW 316 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 316 (101 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 316 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 316 weights approximately 770 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.
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, 1997 BMW 316 (150 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 BMW 316 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 316 | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 316 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 150 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 27 L |
