1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1980 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1980 Ford Cortina is newer by 2 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 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 59 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Ford Cortina weights approximately 142 kg more than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1980 Ford Cortina 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 1980 Ford Cortina. 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, 1980 Ford Cortina (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1980 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1980 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 63 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1002 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2590 mm |
