1983 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1972 Mercury Cougar
To start off, 1983 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Mercury Cougar. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Mercury Cougar would be higher. At 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Mercury Cougar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Mercury Cougar (167 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. (57 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Mercury Cougar should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Mercury Cougar weights approximately 736 kg more than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Mercury Cougar 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 1972 Mercury Cougar. 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, 1972 Mercury Cougar (363 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 258 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. (105 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Mercury Cougar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat Ritmo | 1972 Mercury Cougar | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | Ritmo | Cougar |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 5769 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.2 mm | 88.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 1656 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 5080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2860 mm |
