1988 Opel Kadett vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1988 Opel Kadett is newer by 7 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Opel Kadett is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Opel Kadett (150 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Opel Kadett should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Opel Kadett weights approximately 467 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, 1988 Opel Kadett, 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, 1988 Opel Kadett (195 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 132 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Opel Kadett will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Opel Kadett | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Kadett | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1007 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4010 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 27 L |
