2009 Dodge Caliber vs. 1980 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2009 Dodge Caliber is newer by 29 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Caliber (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1980 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 890 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, 2009 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2009 Dodge Caliber (310 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 247 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Caliber | 1980 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Dodge | Reliant |
| Model | Caliber | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1968 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 39 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 27 L |
