1992 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 1978 Reliant Kitten

To start off, 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 2,187 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier (110 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1978 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 644 kg more than 1978 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1978 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 1978 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier (176 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Reliant Kitten. 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier has automatic transmission and 1978 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1978 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1992 Chevrolet Cavalier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1992 Chevrolet Cavalier 1978 Reliant Kitten
Make Chevrolet Reliant
Model Cavalier Kitten
Year Released 1992 1978
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2187 cc 846 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 110 HP 40 HP
Engine RPM 5200 RPM 5500 RPM
Torque 176 Nm 63 Nm
Torque RPM 3200 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 89 mm 62.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 88 mm 69.1 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.0:1 9.5:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Vehicle Weight 1179 kg 535 kg
Vehicle Length 4640 mm 3330 mm
Vehicle Width 1690 mm 1430 mm
Vehicle Height 1330 mm 1400 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2150 mm