2009 Ford Ka vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2009 Ford Ka is newer by 28 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 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Ka (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Ka weights approximately 426 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, 2009 Ford Ka, 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 Ka (106 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Ka | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Ka | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 106 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 27 L |
