1983 Pontiac Phoenix vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1983 Pontiac Phoenix is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 2,474 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Pontiac Phoenix is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Pontiac Phoenix (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Pontiac Phoenix should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Pontiac Phoenix weights approximately 565 kg more than 1980 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1980 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 1980 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Pontiac Phoenix, 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, 1983 Pontiac Phoenix (181 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Pontiac Phoenix will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Pontiac Phoenix | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Pontiac | Reliant |
| Model | Phoenix | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2474 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2150 mm |
