1998 Opel Speedster vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1998 Opel Speedster is newer by 18 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Opel Speedster (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Opel Speedster weights approximately 410 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1998 Opel Speedster (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Opel Speedster | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Speedster | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2198 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 203 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 27 L |
