1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1981 Reliant Kitten is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (43 HP @ 4100 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 310 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (102 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 1968 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kitten | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 43 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 69 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 40 L |
