1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 1960 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1980 Reliant Kitten is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 900 cc (3 cylinders), 1960 Wartburg 311 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Reliant Kitten (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1960 Wartburg 311. (36 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1980 Reliant Kitten should accelerate faster than 1960 Wartburg 311. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1960 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 425 kg more than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Because 1980 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 1980 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1960 Wartburg 311, 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, 1960 Wartburg 311 (82 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1960 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 1960 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Reliant | Wartburg |
| Model | Kitten | 311 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1960 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 36 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 6.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 40 L |
