1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2001 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 2001 Mercury Cougar is newer by 23 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 2,543 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Cougar (196 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 547 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Mercury Cougar (228 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 2001 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Ritmo | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 2543 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 196 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6750 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1407 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2710 mm |
