1999 Mercury Tracer vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1999 Mercury Tracer 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Mercury Tracer is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercury Tracer weights approximately 1199 kg more than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
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 Mercury Tracer, 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 Mercury Tracer (170 Nm) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm). This means 1999 Mercury Tracer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Mercury Tracer | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercury | Reliant |
| Model | Tracer | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 39 HP |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1734 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2150 mm |
