1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1983 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1983 Vauxhall Astra is newer by 2 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 1,196 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Vauxhall Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Vauxhall Astra (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Vauxhall Astra weights approximately 300 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, 1983 Vauxhall Astra, 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, 1983 Vauxhall Astra (88 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Vauxhall Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 1983 Vauxhall Astra | |
| Make | Reliant | Vauxhall |
| Model | Kitten | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 88 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 840 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2520 mm |
