1998 Reliant Scimitar vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1998 Reliant Scimitar 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 1,398 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Reliant Scimitar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Reliant Scimitar (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Reliant Scimitar should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Reliant Scimitar weights approximately 353 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 Reliant Scimitar (127 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Reliant Scimitar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Reliant Scimitar | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Reliant | Reliant |
| Model | Scimitar | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1398 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 893 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2140 mm | 2150 mm |
