2002 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 22 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 2,950 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (227 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 1031 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, 2002 Mercedes-Benz C (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 497 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2002 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Mercedes-Benz C | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | C | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2950 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 227 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 16.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 27 L |
