2006 Kia Rio vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2006 Kia Rio is newer by 25 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 1,343 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Rio (81 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Rio weights approximately 604 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, 2006 Kia Rio, 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, 2006 Kia Rio (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Kia Rio | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Kia | Reliant |
| Model | Rio | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1343 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 117 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1144 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 27 L |
