1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2004 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2004 Smart ForTwo is newer by 26 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 1,049 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat Ritmo (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 55 kg more than 2004 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Smart ForTwo 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 2004 Smart ForTwo. 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, 2004 Smart ForTwo (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 2004 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | Ritmo | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 1820 mm |
