2004 Mazda 2 vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2004 Mazda 2 is newer by 24 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 1,388 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 2 (79 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 2 should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 2 weights approximately 590 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.
Because 1980 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 1980 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 2, 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, 2004 Mazda 2 (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 2 | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | 2 | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1388 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3930 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 27 L |
