1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat Ritmo 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 2 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 90 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 1979 Fiat Ritmo (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ritmo | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
