1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 24 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (170 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 922 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat, 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm). This means 2004 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 | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kitten | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1457 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 62 L |
