1983 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1981 Skoda Rapid R
To start off, 1983 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Skoda Rapid R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Skoda Rapid R would be higher. At 1,568 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Fiat Ritmo (98 HP @ 5900 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1981 Skoda Rapid R. (62 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1981 Skoda Rapid R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 53 kg more than 1981 Skoda Rapid R. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Skoda Rapid R 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 1981 Skoda Rapid R. 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 (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Skoda Rapid R. (99 Nm @ 2850 RPM). This means 1983 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Skoda Rapid R.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat Ritmo | 1981 Skoda Rapid R | |
| Make | Fiat | Skoda |
| Model | Ritmo | Rapid R |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1568 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 98 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5900 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 47 L |
