1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 28 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, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle weights approximately 250 kg more than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle 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. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ritmo | Beetle |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 55 L |
