1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1963 Wartburg 311
To start off, 1981 Reliant Kitten is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Wartburg 311. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Wartburg 311 would be higher. At 992 cc (3 cylinders), 1963 Wartburg 311 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 Wartburg 311 (49 HP) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1963 Wartburg 311 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Wartburg 311 weights approximately 430 kg more than 1981 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 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 1981 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1963 Wartburg 311, 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, 1963 Wartburg 311 (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1963 Wartburg 311 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 1963 Wartburg 311 | |
| Make | Reliant | Wartburg |
| Model | Kitten | 311 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 992 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 49 HP |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 98 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 73.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 7.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 43 L |
