1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1981 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1981 Ford Taunus is newer by 3 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 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat Ritmo (73 HP) has 16 more horse power than 1981 Ford Taunus. (57 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Taunus weights approximately 150 kg more than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1981 Ford Taunus 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 1981 Ford Taunus. 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, 1978 Fiat Ritmo (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1981 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 57 HP |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2580 mm |
