1975 Reliant Kitten vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 1988 Volvo 440 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 440 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1975 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1975 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 440 weights approximately 482 kg more than 1975 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440, 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, 1988 Volvo 440 (143 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Reliant Kitten | 1988 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Reliant | Volvo |
| Model | Kitten | 440 |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 538 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3350 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2510 mm |
