2009 Lotus Elise vs. 1976 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2009 Lotus Elise is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Elise (219 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 179 more horse power than 1976 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1976 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Elise weights approximately 346 kg more than 1976 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 Lotus Elise (212 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Lotus Elise | 1976 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Lotus | Reliant |
| Model | Elise | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 219 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 212 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 881 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 44 L | 27 L |
