1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 21 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 5,789 cc (12 cylinders), 1999 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (362 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 303 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1100 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 1999 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 1999 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, 1999 Mercedes-Benz S (540 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 459 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. 1999 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. 1999 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1999 Mercedes-Benz S | |
Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Ritmo | S |
Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1049 cc | 5789 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 362 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 81 Nm | 540 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 84.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 87 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1960 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5160 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3090 mm |