2009 BMW M3 vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 374 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW M3 weights approximately 995 kg more than 1978 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
2009 BMW M3 | 1978 Reliant Kitten | |
Make | BMW | Reliant |
Model | M3 | Kitten |
Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3999 cc | 846 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 414 HP | 40 HP |
Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 400 Nm | 63 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 62.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75.2 mm | 69.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1530 kg | 535 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 3330 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2150 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 27 L |