1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2006 Volvo V50
To start off, 2006 Volvo V50 is newer by 25 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 2,442 cc (5 cylinders), 2006 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volvo V50 (168 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volvo V50 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, 2006 Volvo V50, 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, 2006 Volvo V50 (231 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2006 Volvo V50 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. 2006 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2006 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Reliant | Volvo |
| Model | Kitten | V50 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 2442 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 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 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 60 L |
