1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 2008 Volvo S80
To start off, 2008 Volvo S80 is newer by 28 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 2,921 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (268 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 1144 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, 2008 Volvo S80, 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, 2008 Volvo S80 (380 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 317 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 2008 Volvo S80 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. 2008 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 2008 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Reliant | Volvo |
| Model | Kitten | S80 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 2921 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1679 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 80 L |
