1981 Honda Accord vs. 1978 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1981 Honda Accord is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,602 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Honda Accord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Honda Accord (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Honda Accord weights approximately 20 kg more than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Honda Accord (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. 1978 Fiat Ritmo has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Accord has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Accord will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat Ritmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Accord | 1978 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Honda | Fiat |
| Model | Accord | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2390 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
