1982 Reliant Kitten vs. 1961 Trabant Universal
To start off, 1982 Reliant Kitten is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Trabant Universal. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Trabant Universal would be higher. At 846 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Reliant Kitten is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Reliant Kitten (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1961 Trabant Universal. (20 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1982 Reliant Kitten should accelerate faster than 1961 Trabant Universal. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Trabant Universal weights approximately 131 kg more than 1982 Reliant Kitten.
Because 1982 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 1982 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1961 Trabant Universal, 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 Reliant Kitten (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Trabant Universal. (44 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1982 Reliant Kitten will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Trabant Universal.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Reliant Kitten | 1961 Trabant Universal | |
| Make | Reliant | Trabant |
| Model | Kitten | Universal |
| Year Released | 1982 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 846 cc | 499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 40 HP | 20 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 63 Nm | 44 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 666 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 3370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1500 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2030 mm |
