1999 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1999 Honda Civic 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 1,797 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Civic (167 HP @ 7600 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda Civic weights approximately 735 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 Honda Civic, 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 Honda Civic (166 Nm @ 6300 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Civic | 1978 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | Civic | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 166 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2150 mm |
