1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1965 Ford Zodiac
To start off, 1981 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1965 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1965 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,553 cc (6 cylinders), 1965 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1965 Ford Zodiac. (108 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1965 Ford Zodiac. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1965 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 290 kg more than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1965 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 1965 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, 1965 Ford Zodiac (190 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1965 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 | 1965 Ford Zodiac | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Zodiac |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1965 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1270 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 45 L |
