2009 Mercedes-Benz SL vs. 1982 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 6,208 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL (518 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 478 more horse power than 1982 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1982 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 2295 kg more than 1982 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 Mercedes-Benz SL (631 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 568 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL | 1982 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Reliant |
| Model | SL | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6208 cc | 846 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 518 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 631 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2830 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4540 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 27 L |
