1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 2010 Kia Rio
To start off, 2010 Kia Rio is newer by 30 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2010 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Kia Rio (110 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Kia Rio weights approximately 538 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, 2010 Kia Rio, 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, 2010 Kia Rio (145 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 2010 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Reliant | Kia |
| Model | Kitten | Rio |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1073 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4249 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1694 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2499 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 45 L |
