1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1977 Volvo 343
To start off, 1978 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volvo 343. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volvo 343 would be higher. At 1,395 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Volvo 343 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volvo 343 (70 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volvo 343 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volvo 343 weights approximately 130 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 1977 Volvo 343 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 1977 Volvo 343. 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, 1977 Volvo 343 (108 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Volvo 343 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. 1977 Volvo 343 has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat Ritmo has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat Ritmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Volvo 343 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1977 Volvo 343 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Ritmo | 343 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 1395 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
