1998 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 17 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 2,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (190 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1350 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, 1998 Mercedes-Benz S (270 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 207 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mercedes-Benz S | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | S | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2799 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.9 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 27 L |
