1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1998 Jaguar XJ8
To start off, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is newer by 17 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 3,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Jaguar XJ8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jaguar XJ8 weights approximately 850 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 1998 Jaguar XJ8 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 1998 Jaguar XJ8. 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, 1998 Jaguar XJ8 (525 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Jaguar XJ8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. 1998 Jaguar XJ8 has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat Ritmo has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat Ritmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Jaguar XJ8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 1998 Jaguar XJ8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Jaguar |
| Model | Ritmo | XJ8 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 3981 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 525 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 86.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 87 L |
