1957 BMW 600 vs. 1978 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 BMW 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 BMW 600 would be higher. At 1,049 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat Ritmo (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1957 BMW 600. (20 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1957 BMW 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 310 kg more than 1957 BMW 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 BMW 600 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 1957 BMW 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Ritmo, 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, 1978 Fiat Ritmo (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 BMW 600. (38 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 BMW 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 BMW 600 | 1978 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 600 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 583 cc | 1049 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 20 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 38 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 550 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 2910 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1410 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1710 mm | 2460 mm |
