1983 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1983 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Fiat Ritmo (129 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 80 kg more than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1983 Fiat Ritmo (180 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (108 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1983 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat Ritmo | 1955 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ritmo | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1955 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2430 mm |
