1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 24 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 5,980 cc (12 cylinders), 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (603 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 544 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 1291 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL. 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, 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL (1,000 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 919 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL 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. 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ritmo | CL |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 603 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 1000 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 864 kg | 2155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2860 mm |
