1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 2009 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 29 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 3,796 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Routan (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 1772 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, 2009 Volkswagen Routan, 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, 2009 Volkswagen Routan (313 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 250 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 2009 Volkswagen Routan 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. 2009 Volkswagen Routan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 2009 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kitten | Routan |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 3796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 313 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 5150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 78 L |
