1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 26 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 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (161 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 540 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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 2007 Mercedes-Benz C. 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, 2007 Mercedes-Benz C (240 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C 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. 2007 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 2007 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ritmo | C |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 62 L |
