1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1972 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Comet (81 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Comet weights approximately 364 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 1972 Mercury Comet 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 1972 Mercury Comet. 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, 1972 Mercury Comet (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1972 Mercury Comet | |
Make | Fiat | Mercury |
Model | Ritmo | Comet |
Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1301 cc | 2782 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 64 HP | 81 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 98 Nm | 175 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1224 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4620 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2630 mm |