1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2008 Renault Espace
To start off, 2008 Renault Espace is newer by 27 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Renault Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Renault Espace (134 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Renault Espace should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Renault Espace weights approximately 1200 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, 2008 Renault Espace, 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, 2008 Renault Espace (191 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Renault Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2008 Renault Espace | |
| Make | Reliant | Renault |
| Model | Kitten | Espace |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 83 L |
