1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,600 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (89 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 580 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, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (230 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ritmo | Golf |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
