1978 Reliant Kitten vs. 2006 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (100 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 783 kg more than 1978 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 2006 Volkswagen Polo (140 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Reliant Kitten | 2006 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kitten | Polo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 846 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 45 L |
