2004 BMW 318 vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2004 BMW 318 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 BMW 318 (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 BMW 318 weights approximately 765 kg more than 1978 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, 2004 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 BMW 318 | 1978 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | BMW | Reliant |
| Model | 318 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 67 L | 27 L |
