2008 Lexus IS vs. 1981 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2008 Lexus IS is newer by 27 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 3,456 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 266 more horse power than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1981 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Lexus IS weights approximately 1200 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 2008 Lexus IS is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Reliant Kitten. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Lexus IS will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Lexus IS (376 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 313 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Reliant Kitten. 2008 Lexus IS has automatic transmission and 1981 Reliant Kitten has manual transmission. 1981 Reliant Kitten will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Lexus IS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Lexus IS | 1981 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Lexus | Reliant |
| Model | IS | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3456 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 376 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 94 mm | 62.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 69.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 27 L |
