1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Passat 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 2,771 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Passat (190 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 990 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 1997 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Reliant Kitten. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 Passat (280 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kitten | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 2771 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |
