2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is newer by 25 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 5,439 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (617 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 577 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren weights approximately 1228 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (780 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 717 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | SLR McLaren | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5439 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 617 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 780 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1768 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1270 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 27 L |
