1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1962 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1979 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,714 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Fiat Ritmo (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1962 Ford Cortina. (48 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1962 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 182 kg more than 1962 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Ford Cortina 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 1962 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Fiat Ritmo (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Ford Cortina. (90 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 1962 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1962 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 1198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 48 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 778 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2500 mm |
