2000 Opel Meriva vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2000 Opel Meriva is newer by 19 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Opel Meriva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Opel Meriva (101 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Opel Meriva should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Opel Meriva weights approximately 853 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, 2000 Opel Meriva, 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, 2000 Opel Meriva (220 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2000 Opel Meriva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Opel Meriva | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Meriva | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.5 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1393 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1630 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 27 L |
