1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2005 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 27 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (113 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 325 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, 2005 Volkswagen Golf (155 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 2005 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ritmo | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 113 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 86.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2520 mm |
