1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1982 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Golf (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 25 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1982 Volkswagen Golf (153 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1982 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ritmo | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 60 L |
