1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1976 Volvo 260
To start off, 1981 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volvo 260. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volvo 260 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volvo 260 (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volvo 260 weights approximately 370 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 1976 Volvo 260 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 1976 Volvo 260. 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, 1976 Volvo 260 (218 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 1976 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | Ritmo | 260 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2660 mm |
