1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Valiant (109 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Valiant should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Plymouth Valiant weights approximately 450 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 Plymouth Valiant 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 Plymouth Valiant. 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 Plymouth Valiant (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Fiat | Plymouth |
| Model | Ritmo | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 8.4:1 |
| 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 | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
