1998 Mazda Midge vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1998 Mazda Midge is newer by 18 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 1,323 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda Midge is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda Midge (67 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda Midge should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda Midge weights approximately 431 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, 1998 Mazda Midge, 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, 1998 Mazda Midge (101 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda Midge will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda Midge | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | Midge | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1323 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1400 mm |
