2004 Jensen SV-8 vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2004 Jensen SV-8 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 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Jensen SV-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Jensen SV-8 (321 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Jensen SV-8 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Jensen SV-8 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 Jensen SV-8 (439 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Jensen SV-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Jensen SV-8 | 1978 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Jensen | Reliant |
| Model | SV-8 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 321 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 439 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2150 mm |
