1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 1999 Kia Clarus
To start off, 1999 Kia Clarus is newer by 19 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Kia Clarus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Clarus (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Clarus should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Kia Clarus weights approximately 715 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, 1999 Kia Clarus, 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, 1999 Kia Clarus (190 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Kia Clarus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 1999 Kia Clarus 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. 1999 Kia Clarus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 1999 Kia Clarus | |
| Make | Reliant | Kia |
| Model | Kitten | Clarus |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2670 mm |
