1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1987 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1987 Toyota Carina is newer by 6 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 1,587 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Toyota Carina (83 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Toyota Carina weights approximately 462 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, 1987 Toyota Carina, 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, 1987 Toyota Carina (142 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 1987 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Reliant | Toyota |
| Model | Kitten | Carina |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 83 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 142 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 61 L |
