2005 Lada Niva vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2005 Lada Niva is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,690 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Lada Niva (77 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Lada Niva weights approximately 745 kg more than 1981 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Reliant Kitten. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Lada Niva 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, 2005 Lada Niva (128 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Lada Niva | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Lada | Reliant |
| Model | Niva | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1690 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 27 L |
