1999 Mercedes-Benz ML vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML 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 2,688 cc (5 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML (161 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 122 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML weights approximately 945 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 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Reliant Kitten. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML will offer significantly more control. 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 Mercedes-Benz ML (400 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML has automatic transmission and 1980 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1980 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz ML | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | ML | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2688 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 27 L |
