1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 29 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 2,148 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (149 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 680 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (340 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ritmo | C |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 2148 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
