1989 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1989 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 8 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 3,134 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chevrolet Lumina (138 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 875 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, 1989 Chevrolet Lumina, 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, 1989 Chevrolet Lumina (237 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 1989 Chevrolet Lumina 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. 1989 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Chevrolet Lumina | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Reliant |
| Model | Lumina | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3134 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 237 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2150 mm |
