1997 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1976 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,898 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1976 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1976 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 1515 kg more than 1976 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 1997 Mercedes-Benz A (180 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Reliant Kitten. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A has automatic transmission and 1976 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1976 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercedes-Benz A | 1976 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | A | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1898 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.6 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2050 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 27 L |
