1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1986 TVR Tasmin
To start off, 1986 TVR Tasmin is newer by 5 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 3,526 cc (8 cylinders), 1986 TVR Tasmin is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 TVR Tasmin (196 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 TVR Tasmin should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 TVR Tasmin weights approximately 580 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, 1986 TVR Tasmin (300 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 TVR Tasmin will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 1986 TVR Tasmin | |
| Make | Reliant | TVR |
| Model | Kitten | Tasmin |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 3526 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 71.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2390 mm |
