2006 Opel Astra vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2006 Opel Astra 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 1,364 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Opel Astra (89 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Opel Astra weights approximately 740 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 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, 2006 Opel Astra (125 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Opel Astra | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Astra | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1364 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.6 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 27 L |
