1960 Fiat 500 vs. 1978 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1960 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1960 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat Ritmo (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1960 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1960 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 315 kg more than 1960 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1960 Fiat 500 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 1960 Fiat 500. 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 (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1960 Fiat 500. (30 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1960 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1960 Fiat 500 | 1978 Fiat Ritmo | |
Make | Fiat | Fiat |
Model | 500 | Ritmo |
Year Released | 1960 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 500 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 73 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 30 Nm | 118 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 555 kg | 870 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3190 mm | 3940 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1660 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1960 mm | 2430 mm |