1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2008 Volvo XC90
To start off, 2008 Volvo XC90 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 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo XC90 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo XC90 (185 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo XC90 should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo XC90 weights approximately 1506 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 2008 Volvo XC90 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Reliant Kitten. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volvo XC90 will offer significantly more control. 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 Volvo XC90 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 257 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo XC90 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2008 Volvo XC90 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. 2008 Volvo XC90 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2008 Volvo XC90 | |
| Make | Reliant | Volvo |
| Model | Kitten | XC90 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 2521 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 185 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 69.1 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 2046 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 72 L |
