2005 Honda Life vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2005 Honda Life 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 846 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Reliant Kitten is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Honda Life (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Honda Life should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Honda Life weights approximately 255 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 2005 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Reliant Kitten. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Reliant Kitten (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Life. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1978 Reliant Kitten will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Life.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Honda Life | 1978 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | Life | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3410 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2150 mm |
