2001 Proton 400 vs. 1975 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2001 Proton 400 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,298 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Proton 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Proton 400 (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1975 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Proton 400 should accelerate faster than 1975 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Proton 400 weights approximately 435 kg more than 1975 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Proton 400, 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 Proton 400 (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Proton 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Proton 400 | 1975 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Proton | Reliant |
| Model | 400 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2150 mm |
