1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 1997 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Parati is newer by 16 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Parati is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Parati (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Parati should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Parati weights approximately 435 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, 1997 Volkswagen Parati, 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, 1997 Volkswagen Parati (150 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Parati will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 1997 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
| Model | Kitten | Parati |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2480 mm |
