1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is newer by 11 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 4,973 cc (8 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (326 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 267 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 weights approximately 866 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 (480 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 399 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 1990 Mercedes-Benz 500 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ritmo | 500 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 4973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 326 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 480 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 864 kg | 1730 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2810 mm |
