2005 Citroen Xsara vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2005 Citroen Xsara is newer by 25 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Citroen Xsara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Citroen Xsara (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Citroen Xsara should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Citroen Xsara weights approximately 866 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, 2005 Citroen Xsara, 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, 2005 Citroen Xsara (190 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 127 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Citroen Xsara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten. 2005 Citroen Xsara 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. 2005 Citroen Xsara will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Citroen Xsara | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Citroen | Reliant |
| Model | Xsara | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1401 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 27 L |
