1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 12 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 5,547 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (297 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 940 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz S (463 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 1990 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1990 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Ritmo | S |
Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 5547 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 73 HP | 297 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 118 Nm | 463 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5030 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2950 mm |