1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2001 Mercury Sable
To start off, 2001 Mercury Sable is newer by 22 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 2,982 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Mercury Sable is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mercury Sable (152 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mercury Sable should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mercury Sable weights approximately 701 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, 2001 Mercury Sable (246 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 165 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2001 Mercury Sable will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. 2001 Mercury Sable 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. 2001 Mercury Sable will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 2001 Mercury Sable | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Ritmo | Sable |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 2982 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 246 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 864 kg | 1565 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2760 mm |
