1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2012 Scion xD
To start off, 2012 Scion xD is newer by 31 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Scion xD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Scion xD (128 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Scion xD should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Scion xD weights approximately 651 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, 2012 Scion xD, 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, 2012 Scion xD (169 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Scion xD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2012 Scion xD 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. 2012 Scion xD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Reliant Kitten | 2012 Scion xD | |
| Make | Reliant | Scion |
| Model | Kitten | xD |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 848 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 4-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 3929 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1725 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1509 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2461 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 42 L |
