KITT, or the Knight Industries Two Thousand, is a highly advanced AI-powered car featured in the 1980s TV show Knight Rider. It’s based on a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am and is known for its iconic red scanner light, self-driving capabilities, and Turbo Boost feature that allows it to jump over obstacles. KITT was more than just a car — it was a crime-fighting partner for Michael Knight, played by David Hasselhoff.
Knight Rider vs. Back to the Future: A Battle of the 80s Icons
Jason Coulter
Published on: Jan 6, 2025
4 minutes
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From Referrals to Reviews: Finding the Perfect Repair Shop for YouThe 1980s gave us two of the most iconic cars in pop culture history: KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand) from Knight Rider and the DeLorean time machine from Back to the Future. Both cars have become symbols of futuristic tech and 80s nostalgia, but the debate remains — which is the better 80s car? In this head-to-head battle, we’ll compare KITT and the DeLorean across several categories, including performance, technology, cultural impact, and legacy.
Let’s dive into this ultimate showdown of Knight Rider vs. Back to the Future to finally settle the question: Is KITT cooler than the DeLorean, or does the DeLorean leave KITT in the dust?
Round 1: The Cars' Origins and Design
KITT (Knight Industries Two Thousand)
KITT is a highly advanced AI-powered car featured in the TV series Knight Rider, which debuted in 1982. The vehicle, a modified 1982 Pontiac Trans Am, became instantly recognizable thanks to its sleek black exterior and iconic red scanner light on the front grille.
- Designer: Michael Scheffe
- Driver: Michael Knight (played by David Hasselhoff)
- Main Features: AI voice, self-driving capabilities, Turbo Boost, Super Pursuit Mode, and bulletproof armor
KITT’s futuristic look and high-tech features made him more than just a car — he was a character in his own right.
DeLorean (Back to the Future)
The DeLorean DMC-12, made famous by Back to the Future in 1985, was chosen for its futuristic stainless steel design and gullwing doors. In the movie, Doc Brown (played by Christopher Lloyd) transforms the DeLorean into a time machine capable of traveling to any point in history.
- Designer: Giorgetto Giugiaro
- Driver: Marty McFly (played by Michael J. Fox) and Doc Brown
- Main Features: Time travel capabilities (via the flux capacitor), stainless steel body, and Mr. Fusion reactor
While the real-life DeLorean struggled in the marketplace, its role in Back to the Future cemented its place in pop culture history.
Winner: Tie. Both cars have unforgettable designs that perfectly represent the 80s vision of the future.
Round 2: Technology and Features
KITT’s Advanced Technology
KITT is packed with futuristic tech that was light-years ahead of its time in the 80s, including:
- AI Voice Assistant: KITT could hold conversations with Michael Knight, much like today’s Siri or Alexa.
- Self-Driving: Decades before Tesla, KITT could navigate roads and even chase down criminals on his own.
- Turbo Boost: KITT could leap over obstacles with the press of a button.
- Super Pursuit Mode: For high-speed chases, KITT could transform into a faster, more aerodynamic version of himself.
- Bulletproof Armor: KITT was nearly indestructible.
In short, KITT was a technological marvel that predicted many modern innovations.
The DeLorean’s Time-Travel Capabilities
While KITT had impressive tech, the DeLorean had something no other car could boast: time travel. Powered by the iconic flux capacitor, the DeLorean could travel to any point in time as long as it hit 88 mph.
- Mr. Fusion Reactor: In Back to the Future Part II, Doc Brown replaces the plutonium fuel source with Mr. Fusion, which runs on garbage.
- Hover Conversion: In the future timeline, the DeLorean is upgraded to fly.
The DeLorean’s time-travel capability makes it more than just a car — it’s a portal to adventure.
Winner: KITT. While time travel is cool, KITT’s real-world tech was more practical and ahead of its time.
Round 3: Cultural Impact
Knight Rider’s Legacy
Knight Rider turned David Hasselhoff into a household name and made KITT one of the most recognizable TV cars ever. The show’s catchphrase, “One man can make a difference,” became synonymous with 80s action TV.
KITT’s influence is still seen today in discussions around AI, autonomous vehicles, and futuristic car tech.
Back to the Future’s Legacy
Back to the Future is a cultural phenomenon that transcends generations. The DeLorean became a symbol of 80s nostalgia, and phrases like “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads” are instantly recognizable.
The movie trilogy remains a classic, and the DeLorean time machine is celebrated at fan conventions and in pop culture references.
Winner: DeLorean. Back to the Future has a broader cultural impact and is more widely remembered than Knight Rider.
Round 4: Real-World Value
KITT Replica Value
Today, fans can build a KITT replica for around $50,000 to $100,000. Several companies specialize in turning Pontiac Trans Ams into KITT clones, complete with working scanner lights and voice modules.
DeLorean Value
The DeLorean DMC-12, despite its rocky production history, has become a collector’s item. Prices for restored DeLoreans range from $60,000 to $90,000, and replicas of the Back to the Future time machine can cost even more.
Winner: DeLorean. The real-world value of the DeLorean has steadily increased, making it a sought-after collector’s car.
Final Verdict: Which Is the Better 80s Car?
Both KITT and the DeLorean are iconic in their own right. However, if we’re judging based on cool factor, cultural impact, and technological foresight, KITT takes the win. His advanced features predicted many of today’s car innovations, and he remains one of the most beloved cars in TV history.
That said, the DeLorean wins for nostalgia and cultural significance, making it one of the most recognizable movie cars ever.
Visit Noble Quote’s Learning Center for More Car Comparisons!
Looking to learn more about iconic cars and how to protect your vehicle with a vehicle service contract? Check out Noble Quote’s Learning Center for expert insights and tips on car warranties, repair coverage, and peace of mind on the road.
Knight Rider vs. Back to the Future: Your Ultimate FAQ on KITT and the DeLorean
What is KITT from Knight Rider?
What kind of car is the DeLorean from Back to the Future?
The DeLorean DMC-12 is a stainless steel sports car with gullwing doors, made famous by its role as a time machine in the Back to the Future trilogy. Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro, the DeLorean was chosen for its futuristic appearance. In the movie, Doc Brown modifies the car to travel through time using a flux capacitor and requires the car to hit 88 mph to activate the time travel feature.
Which is cooler, KITT or the DeLorean?
Both KITT and the DeLorean are iconic in their own way. KITT is cooler in terms of technology — it features AI, self-driving capabilities, and bulletproof armor. However, the DeLorean wins on nostalgia and cultural impact, especially since it can time travel in the movies. Ultimately, it depends on what you're looking for: a crime-fighting car or a time machine.
How fast does the DeLorean need to go to time travel?
In Back to the Future, the DeLorean must reach 88 mph to activate the flux capacitor and travel through time. This speed is crucial for generating the 1.21 gigawatts of electricity needed for time travel.
What features did KITT have in Knight Rider?
KITT was a cutting-edge car with the following features:
- AI Voice Assistant
- Self-Driving Capabilities
- Turbo Boost for Jumping Over Obstacles
- Super Pursuit Mode for High-Speed Chases
- Bulletproof Armor and Self-Healing Technology
KITT’s technology was way ahead of its time and has since inspired many modern innovations, such as voice assistants and autonomous vehicles.
Is the DeLorean a real car?
Yes, the DeLorean DMC-12 is a real car that was produced by the DeLorean Motor Company between 1981 and 1983. However, the car struggled in the market and was discontinued after only about 9,000 units were made. Today, it’s a sought-after collector’s car, especially among Back to the Future fans.
Can you buy a KITT replica?
Yes! There are companies and enthusiasts who convert 1982 Pontiac Trans Ams into KITT replicas. The cost can range from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on the level of customization. Many KITT replicas include working scanner lights, voice modules, and other iconic features from the show.
How much does a DeLorean cost today?
A restored DeLorean DMC-12 typically costs between $60,000 and $90,000, depending on the condition and modifications. Movie-accurate replicas of the time machine can cost significantly more. Collectors and fans of Back to the Future keep the demand for DeLoreans high.
Why is the DeLorean famous?
The DeLorean became famous due to its role as the time machine in the Back to the Future trilogy. Its futuristic design, gullwing doors, and stainless steel body made it stand out, but it was the movie’s success that turned it into a pop culture icon. Today, it's one of the most recognizable movie cars in history.
What makes KITT from Knight Rider unique?
KITT is unique because it combines AI technology, crime-fighting capabilities, and futuristic features that were far ahead of their time in the 80s. The car’s red scanner light, self-driving abilities, and voice assistant make it instantly recognizable. KITT is also a precursor to modern autonomous vehicles and smart car technology, making it one of the most forward-thinking TV cars ever created.
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