1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1969 Ford Zephyr
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1969 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Ford Zephyr (81 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Ford Zephyr should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1969 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 390 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 1969 Ford Zephyr 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 1969 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1969 Ford Zephyr (153 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1969 Ford Zephyr | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Zephyr |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1969 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 93.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 72.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2930 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 41 L |
