1984 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1978 Ford Escort
To start off, 1984 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,116 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Fiat Ritmo (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1978 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Escort weights approximately 70 kg more than 1984 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1978 Ford Escort 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 1978 Ford Escort. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Fiat Ritmo (86 Nm @ 2900 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Fiat Ritmo | 1978 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Escort |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 938 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
