1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 27 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 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 825 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 412 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ritmo | C |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1785 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2860 mm |
