2009 Ford Focus vs. 1979 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,386 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1979 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 641 kg more than 1979 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Focus (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
2009 Ford Focus | 1979 Reliant Kitten | |
Make | Ford | Reliant |
Model | Focus | Kitten |
Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1386 cc | 848 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 74 HP | 40 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 123 Nm | 63 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 62.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 69.1 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 535 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 3330 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2150 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 27 L |