1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 1998 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 18 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Polo (74 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 455 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, 1998 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1998 Volkswagen Polo (135 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 1998 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kitten | Polo |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2410 mm |
