2009 Honda Civic vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (108 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 640 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 Honda Civic, 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 Honda Civic (152 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Honda | Reliant |
| Model | Civic | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 27 L |
