1973 Opel Kadett vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1981 Reliant Kitten is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Opel Kadett. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Opel Kadett would be higher. At 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1973 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Opel Kadett (51 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Opel Kadett weights approximately 250 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.
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, 1973 Opel Kadett (80 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1973 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Opel Kadett | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Kadett | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1973 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1196 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 43 L | 27 L |
