1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1994 Volvo 480
To start off, 1994 Volvo 480 is newer by 13 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Volvo 480 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Volvo 480 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Volvo 480 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Volvo 480 weights approximately 460 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, 1994 Volvo 480, 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, 1994 Volvo 480 (140 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1994 Volvo 480 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Reliant Kitten | 1994 Volvo 480 | |
Make | Reliant | Volvo |
Model | Kitten | 480 |
Year Released | 1981 | 1994 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 848 cc | 1721 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 40 HP | 109 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 63 Nm | 140 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 81 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 83.5 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1000 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4260 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1720 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1320 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2510 mm |