2008 Ford Focus vs. 1982 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1982 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1982 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Focus weights approximately 1096 kg more than 1982 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1982 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 1982 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Focus, 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, 2008 Ford Focus (320 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Focus | 1982 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Focus | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1631 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 27 L |
