2009 Opel Astra vs. 1975 Reliant Kitten
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Reliant Kitten. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Reliant Kitten would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (197 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1975 Reliant Kitten. (40 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1975 Reliant Kitten. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 1090 kg more than 1975 Reliant Kitten. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 Reliant Kitten. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Opel Astra (262 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 199 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Reliant Kitten. (63 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Reliant Kitten.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Opel Astra | 1975 Reliant Kitten | |
| Make | Opel | Reliant |
| Model | Astra | Kitten |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 848 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 262 Nm | 63 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1625 kg | 535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3330 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2150 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 52 L | 27 L |
