2004 Mercury Sable vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2004 Mercury Sable 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 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercury Sable (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 114 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercury Sable weights approximately 1053 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 Mercury Sable, 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 Mercury Sable (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 2004 Mercury Sable 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. 2004 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mercury Sable | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercury | Reliant |
| Model | Sable | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1588 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 27 L |
