1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2009 Saturn Astra
To start off, 2009 Saturn Astra is newer by 28 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Saturn Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Saturn Astra (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Saturn Astra should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Saturn Astra weights approximately 804 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, 2009 Saturn Astra, 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, 2009 Saturn Astra (170 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Saturn Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2009 Saturn Astra | |
| Make | Reliant | Saturn |
| Model | Kitten | Astra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1344 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 45 L |
