1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 2009 Volvo XC90
To start off, 2009 Volvo XC90 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 2,399 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volvo XC90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volvo XC90 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volvo XC90 weights approximately 834 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 2009 Volvo XC90 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Reliant Kitten. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volvo XC90 will offer significantly more control. 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 Volvo XC90 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volvo XC90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 2009 Volvo XC90 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 Volvo XC90 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 2009 Volvo XC90 | |
| Make | Reliant | Volvo |
| Model | Kitten | XC90 |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 2399 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1369 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 72 L |
