1964 Austin Princess vs. 1978 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1964 Austin Princess. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1964 Austin Princess would be higher. At 3,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1964 Austin Princess is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1964 Austin Princess (119 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1964 Austin Princess should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1964 Austin Princess weights approximately 1310 kg more than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1964 Austin Princess 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 1964 Austin Princess. 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, 1964 Austin Princess (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1964 Austin Princess will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. 1978 Fiat Ritmo has automatic transmission and 1964 Austin Princess has manual transmission. 1964 Austin Princess will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat Ritmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1964 Austin Princess | 1978 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | Princess | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1964 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3993 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 119 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2180 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3360 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 51 L |
