1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1973 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1981 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 Mercury Cougar (152 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1973 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 1094 kg more than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Mercury Cougar 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 1973 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1973 Mercury Cougar (377 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 246 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1973 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 1973 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Ritmo | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 5766 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 377 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 2034 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2910 mm |
