1997 Mitsubishi Verada vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1997 Mitsubishi Verada is newer by 17 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 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Mitsubishi Verada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Mitsubishi Verada (197 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Mitsubishi Verada should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Mitsubishi Verada weights approximately 975 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.
Because 1980 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 1980 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Mitsubishi Verada, 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 Mitsubishi Verada (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Mitsubishi Verada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 1997 Mitsubishi Verada has automatic transmission and 1980 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1980 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Mitsubishi Verada will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mitsubishi Verada | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Reliant |
| Model | Verada | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2150 mm |
