1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (99 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 449 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, 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 2007 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ritmo | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1309 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
