1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1993 Mercedes-Benz E
To start off, 1993 Mercedes-Benz E is newer by 15 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 4,192 cc (8 cylinders), 1993 Mercedes-Benz E is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Mercedes-Benz E (275 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Mercedes-Benz E should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1993 Mercedes-Benz E weights approximately 874 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 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 1993 Mercedes-Benz E. 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, 1993 Mercedes-Benz E (401 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 283 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 Mercedes-Benz E will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. 1993 Mercedes-Benz E 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. 1993 Mercedes-Benz E will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1993 Mercedes-Benz E | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ritmo | E |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 4192 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 275 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| 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 | 1744 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 70 L |
