2005 Mercury Montego vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2005 Mercury Montego 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 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Mercury Montego is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mercury Montego (197 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Montego should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mercury Montego weights approximately 1116 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 1981 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 1981 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Mercury Montego, 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 Mercury Montego (272 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Mercury Montego will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2005 Mercury Montego has automatic transmission and 1981 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1981 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mercury Montego will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mercury Montego | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercury | Reliant |
| Model | Montego | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1656 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 27 L |
