1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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 3,199 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (215 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 176 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK weights approximately 795 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.
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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK (316 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | SLK | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3199 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1330 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 27 L |
