2005 Honda HR-V vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2005 Honda HR-V is newer by 27 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 1,686 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Honda HR-V is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda HR-V (106 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda HR-V should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda HR-V weights approximately 722 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.
Because 1978 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 1978 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda HR-V, 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, 2005 Honda HR-V (141 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Honda HR-V will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda HR-V | 1978 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | HR-V | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1686 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 141 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 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 | 1257 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 27 L |
