1998 Mitsubishi Magna vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1998 Mitsubishi Magna 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 2,351 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mitsubishi Magna is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mitsubishi Magna (141 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Magna should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mitsubishi Magna weights approximately 830 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.
Because 1981 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 1981 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Mitsubishi Magna, 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 Mitsubishi Magna (206 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mitsubishi Magna will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mitsubishi Magna | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mitsubishi | Reliant |
| Model | Magna | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2351 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.5 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2150 mm |
