1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1989 Ford Sierra
To start off, 1989 Ford Sierra is newer by 8 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Sierra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1989 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Sierra weights approximately 75 kg more than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1989 Ford Sierra 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 1989 Ford Sierra. 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, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Sierra. (123 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 1989 Ford Sierra | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Sierra |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1015 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2620 mm |
