1978 Reliant Kitten vs. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 35 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 798 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2013 Volkswagen Beetle (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Reliant Kitten | 2013 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
Model | Kitten | Beetle |
Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 846 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 40 HP | 138 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 63 Nm | 320 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 16.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1333 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |