1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 17 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 640 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 1997 Volkswagen Golf has automatic transmission and 1980 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1980 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kitten | Golf |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
