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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Golf (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (59 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 635 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 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 239 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 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 | 1049 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4534 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2578 mm |
