1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1968 Fiat 850
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Fiat 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Fiat 850 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 18 more horse power than 1968 Fiat 850. (41 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1968 Fiat 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 134 kg more than 1968 Fiat 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Fiat 850 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 1968 Fiat 850. 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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Fiat 850. (60 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Fiat 850.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1968 Fiat 850 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | Ritmo | 850 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 841 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 41 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 726 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1510 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2010 mm |
