1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 24 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 3,349 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (175 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 544 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, 2002 Pontiac Grand Am (285 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am 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. 2002 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 2002 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | Ritmo | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 3349 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 285 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1414 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 54 L |
