1983 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 1983 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Fiat Ritmo (98 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ford Escort weights approximately 49 kg more than 1983 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, 1983 Fiat Ritmo (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat Ritmo | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Escort |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2400 mm |
