1980 Reliant Kitten vs. 2013 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 33 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 1028 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, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Passat (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 287 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 2013 Volkswagen Passat 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. 2013 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Reliant Kitten | 2013 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kitten | Passat |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 11.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1563 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4868 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1835 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1487 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2803 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
