1983 Reliant Kitten vs. 2012 Kia Optima
To start off, 2012 Kia Optima is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Kia Optima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Optima (274 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1983 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima should accelerate faster than 1983 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Kia Optima weights approximately 1000 kg more than 1983 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 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 1983 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Kia Optima, 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 Kia Optima (364 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Reliant Kitten. (64 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Kia Optima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Reliant Kitten. 2012 Kia Optima has automatic transmission and 1983 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1983 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Kia Optima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Reliant Kitten | 2012 Kia Optima | |
| Make | Reliant | Kia |
| Model | Kitten | Optima |
| Year Released | 1983 | 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 | 274 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 364 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3330 mm | 4844 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1430 mm | 1831 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2150 mm | 2797 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 27 L | 70 L |
