1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1977 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1981 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1977 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Ford Cortina weights approximately 170 kg more than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1977 Ford Cortina 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 1977 Ford Cortina. 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, 1977 Ford Cortina (140 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1977 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 1977 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2580 mm |
