1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1982 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Polo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Polo (53 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volkswagen Polo weights approximately 190 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, 1982 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1982 Volkswagen Polo (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Reliant Kitten | 1982 Volkswagen Polo | |
Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
Model | Kitten | Polo |
Year Released | 1981 | 1982 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 848 cc | 1272 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 40 HP | 53 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 63 Nm | 96 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3400 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 730 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1590 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1360 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2630 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 40 L |