1999 Pontiac Sunfire vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is newer by 18 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 2,201 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Pontiac Sunfire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Pontiac Sunfire weights approximately 660 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, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire, 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, 1999 Pontiac Sunfire (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Pontiac Sunfire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Pontiac Sunfire | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Pontiac | Reliant |
| Model | Sunfire | Kitten |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2201 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 27 L |
