1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2006 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 1,049 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart ForTwo (60 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart ForTwo should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 59 kg more than 2006 Smart ForTwo.
Because 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo. 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 Smart ForTwo (95 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Smart ForTwo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. 2006 Smart ForTwo 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 Smart ForTwo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 2006 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Fiat | Smart |
| Model | Ritmo | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 698 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 60 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 66.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 864 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 1820 mm |
