1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1988 Volvo 440
To start off, 1988 Volvo 440 is newer by 9 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 1,721 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Volvo 440 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Volvo 440 (109 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volvo 440 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volvo 440 weights approximately 156 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.
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, 1988 Volvo 440 (143 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Volvo 440 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 1988 Volvo 440 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Ritmo | 440 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 1721 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 83.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 864 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
