1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 1988 Renault 21
To start off, 1988 Renault 21 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Renault 21 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Renault 21 (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Renault 21 should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Renault 21 weights approximately 620 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, 1988 Renault 21, 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 Renault 21 (177 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Renault 21 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 1988 Renault 21 | |
| Make | Reliant | Renault |
| Model | Kitten | 21 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2610 mm |
