1978 Bristol 412 vs. 1983 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1983 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Bristol 412. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Bristol 412 would be higher. At 5,898 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Bristol 412 (171 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. (129 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Bristol 412 weights approximately 740 kg more than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Bristol 412 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 1978 Bristol 412. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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 Bristol 412 (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. (180 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Bristol 412 | 1983 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Bristol | Fiat |
| Model | 412 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5898 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 171 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 366 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4020 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2460 mm |
