2009 Ford Mondeo vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2009 Ford Mondeo 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mondeo (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 1041 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.
Because 1978 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 1978 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mondeo, 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 Mondeo (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mondeo | 1978 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Mondeo | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.9:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1576 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 27 L |
