1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1974 Vauxhall Firenza
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Vauxhall Firenza would be higher. At 1,759 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Vauxhall Firenza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Vauxhall Firenza (77 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Vauxhall Firenza should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Vauxhall Firenza weights approximately 80 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 1974 Vauxhall Firenza 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 1974 Vauxhall Firenza. 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, 1974 Vauxhall Firenza (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Vauxhall Firenza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1974 Vauxhall Firenza | |
| Make | Fiat | Vauxhall |
| Model | Ritmo | Firenza |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 1759 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 77 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4150 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
