1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1961 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1981 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1961 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1961 Ford Zodiac. (76 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 251 kg more than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1961 Ford Zodiac 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 1961 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1961 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1961 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 1961 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1961 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2552 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1520 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
