1999 Alfa Romeo 145 vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 weights approximately 675 kg more than 1978 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145, 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, 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 (255 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 145 | 1978 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Reliant |
| Model | 145 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.7 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 27 L |
