2003 Opel Astra vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2003 Opel Astra is newer by 23 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), 2003 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Opel Astra (145 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Opel Astra weights approximately 763 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, 2003 Opel Astra, 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, 2003 Opel Astra (203 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 2003 Opel Astra 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. 2003 Opel Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Opel Astra | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Astra | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | 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 | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 27 L |
