1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1975 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1979 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,714 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Ford Cortina (56 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Cortina weights approximately 80 kg more than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1975 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 1975 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 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 1975 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 1298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1040 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2590 mm |
