1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2000 Volvo S60
To start off, 2000 Volvo S60 is newer by 19 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 2,434 cc (5 cylinders), 2000 Volvo S60 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volvo S60 (138 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volvo S60 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volvo S60 weights approximately 885 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, 2000 Volvo S60, 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, 2000 Volvo S60 (220 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Volvo S60 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2000 Volvo S60 | |
| Make | Reliant | Volvo |
| Model | Kitten | S60 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 2434 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
