1997 Mercury Tracer vs. 1983 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1997 Mercury Tracer is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,988 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mercury Tracer (109 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1983 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Tracer should accelerate faster than 1983 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 605 kg more than 1983 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mercury Tracer, 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 Mercury Tracer (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Reliant Kitten. (64 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mercury Tracer | 1983 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercury | Reliant |
| Model | Tracer | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 64 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2150 mm |
