1971 Fiat 125 vs. 1981 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1981 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 125. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 125 would be higher. At 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 125 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 125. (90 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 125. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 125 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1971 Fiat 125 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 1971 Fiat 125. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, both vehicles can yield 131 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 125 | 1981 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 125 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 50 L |
