1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1983 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1983 Opel Rekord is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 2,258 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1983 Opel Rekord. (85 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1983 Opel Rekord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Opel Rekord weights approximately 255 kg more than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1983 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 1983 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, 1983 Opel Rekord (193 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 1983 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | Ritmo | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2258 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2680 mm |
