1999 Honda Insight vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1999 Honda Insight is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 995 cc (3 cylinders), 1999 Honda Insight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Insight (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Insight should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda Insight weights approximately 305 kg more than 1980 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Honda Insight, 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 Insight (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Honda Insight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Insight | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | Insight | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2150 mm |
