1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 34 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 2,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus IS (204 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 882 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 2012 Lexus IS 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 2012 Lexus IS. 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, 2012 Lexus IS (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 170 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Fiat | Lexus |
| Model | Ritmo | IS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2731 mm |
