2007 Lotus Exige vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2007 Lotus Exige is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lotus Exige weights approximately 340 kg more than 1980 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 Exige (181 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Lotus Exige | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Exige | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 27 L |
