1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2005 Renault Clio
To start off, 2005 Renault Clio is newer by 24 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 1,389 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Clio (97 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Clio weights approximately 530 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, 2005 Renault Clio, 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, 2005 Renault Clio (127 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2005 Renault Clio has automatic transmission and 1981 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1981 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Renault Clio will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2005 Renault Clio | |
| Make | Reliant | Renault |
| Model | Kitten | Clio |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1389 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 70 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 3780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2690 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 50 L |
