1996 Ford Taurus vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1996 Ford Taurus is newer by 16 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 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 196 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 1057 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, 1996 Ford Taurus, 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, 1996 Ford Taurus (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 1996 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1980 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1980 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Ford Taurus | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
Make | Ford | Reliant |
Model | Taurus | Kitten |
Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3392 cc | 848 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 235 HP | 39 HP |
Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 312 Nm | 63 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 535 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 3330 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1430 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2150 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 27 L |