2001 Mercedes-Benz A vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,689 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A (95 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 565 kg more than 1981 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2001 Mercedes-Benz A (186 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Mercedes-Benz A | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | A | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1689 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3610 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 27 L |
