1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1963 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1981 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1963 Opel Rekord. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1963 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 Opel Rekord weights approximately 30 kg more than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1963 Opel Rekord 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 1963 Opel Rekord. 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, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Opel Rekord. (108 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Opel Rekord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 1963 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | Ritmo | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1963 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 74 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2650 mm |
