1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1988 Lada Niva
To start off, 1988 Lada Niva is newer by 10 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 1,568 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lada Niva is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lada Niva (81 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lada Niva should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lada Niva weights approximately 290 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 1988 Lada Niva is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Lada Niva will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Lada Niva (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Lada Niva will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1988 Lada Niva | |
| Make | Fiat | Lada |
| Model | Ritmo | Niva |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 1568 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 81 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1650 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2210 mm |
