1984 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1984 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,746 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (154 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1984 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 720 kg more than 1984 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Mercedes-Benz S 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 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 1981 Mercedes-Benz S (223 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat Ritmo. (86 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1981 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Fiat Ritmo | 1981 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ritmo | S |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 2746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2950 mm |
