2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1977 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 119 more horse power than 1977 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1977 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 560 kg more than 1977 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1977 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mazda | Reliant |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1095 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1250 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 27 L |
