1982 Opel Ascona vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1982 Opel Ascona is newer by 1 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 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Opel Ascona is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Opel Ascona (75 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Opel Ascona should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Opel Ascona weights approximately 450 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, 1982 Opel Ascona, 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, 1982 Opel Ascona (101 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Opel Ascona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 1982 Opel Ascona 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. 1982 Opel Ascona will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Opel Ascona | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Ascona | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 101 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2150 mm |
