1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 1989 TVR Speed Eight
To start off, 1989 TVR Speed Eight is newer by 9 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 3,947 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 TVR Speed Eight is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 TVR Speed Eight (225 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 TVR Speed Eight should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 TVR Speed Eight weights approximately 585 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1989 TVR Speed Eight (340 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 277 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 TVR Speed Eight will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 1989 TVR Speed Eight | |
| Make | Reliant | TVR |
| Model | Kitten | Speed Eight |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 3947 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 61 L |
