1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 1979 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1980 Reliant Kitten is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Vauxhall Astra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Vauxhall Astra would be higher. At 1,296 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 320 kg more than 1980 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Vauxhall Astra, 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, 1979 Vauxhall Astra (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 1979 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Reliant | Vauxhall |
| Model | Kitten | Astra |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1296 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2520 mm |
