2007 Lotus Elise vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2007 Lotus Elise is newer by 26 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lotus Elise weights approximately 341 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, 2007 Lotus Elise (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Elise | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elise | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 89.3 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 32 L | 27 L |
