1981 Reliant Kitten vs. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 160 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 840 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 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 Volkswagen Beetle (280 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2012 Volkswagen Beetle 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 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1981 Reliant Kitten | 2012 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Reliant | Volkswagen |
Model | Kitten | Beetle |
Year Released | 1981 | 2012 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 848 cc | 2000 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 40 HP | 200 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
Torque | 63 Nm | 280 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1700 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automated manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 540 kg | 1380 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4278 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1808 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1486 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2537 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 55 L |