2008 Mini Cooper vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2008 Mini Cooper is newer by 27 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mini Cooper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mini Cooper (169 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mini Cooper weights approximately 775 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.
Because 1981 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 1981 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Mini Cooper, 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 Mini Cooper (220 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mini Cooper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mini Cooper | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mini | Reliant |
| Model | Cooper | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 169 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 77 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1315 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 27 L |
