1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle
To start off, 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle 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 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle (85 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle weights approximately 346 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 Volkswagen Caravelle 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 Volkswagen Caravelle. 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 Volkswagen Caravelle (140 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 59 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1999 Volkswagen Caravelle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ritmo | Caravelle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1206 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 2050 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
