1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2011 Cadillac DTS
To start off, 2011 Cadillac DTS is newer by 30 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 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Cadillac DTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Cadillac DTS (275 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Cadillac DTS should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Cadillac DTS weights approximately 1278 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, 2011 Cadillac DTS, 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, 2011 Cadillac DTS (400 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 337 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2011 Cadillac DTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2011 Cadillac DTS 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. 2011 Cadillac DTS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2011 Cadillac DTS | |
| Make | Reliant | Cadillac |
| Model | Kitten | DTS |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 4600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 5273 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1463 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2936 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 68 L |
