1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1979 Volkswagen 1302
To start off, 1981 Reliant Kitten is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen 1302. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen 1302 would be higher. At 1,192 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen 1302 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Reliant Kitten (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. (34 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Reliant Kitten should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen 1302. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen 1302 weights approximately 210 kg more than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
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, 1979 Volkswagen 1302 (84 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen 1302 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 1979 Volkswagen 1302 | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kitten | 1302 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1560 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2410 mm |
