1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1989 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1989 Mercury Cougar is newer by 10 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 3,799 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mercury Cougar (140 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1989 Mercury Cougar 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 1989 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1989 Mercury Cougar (292 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1989 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. 1989 Mercury Cougar has automatic transmission and 1979 Fiat Ritmo has manual transmission. 1979 Fiat Ritmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Mercury Cougar will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 1989 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Ritmo | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 3799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5050 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2880 mm |
