1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1979 Lincoln Continental
To start off, 1979 Lincoln Continental is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Lincoln Continental is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Lincoln Continental (138 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Lincoln Continental should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Lincoln Continental weights approximately 1040 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 1979 Lincoln Continental 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 1979 Lincoln Continental. 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, 1979 Lincoln Continental (359 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 261 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Lincoln Continental will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. 1979 Lincoln Continental 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. 1979 Lincoln Continental will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1979 Lincoln Continental | |
| Make | Fiat | Lincoln |
| Model | Ritmo | Continental |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 359 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1900 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5570 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2990 mm |
