1985 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia
To start off, 1985 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia would be higher. At 1,584 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Fiat Ritmo (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. (49 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia weights approximately 30 kg more than 1985 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia 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 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia (108 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Fiat Ritmo. (86 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Fiat Ritmo | 1974 Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ritmo | Karmann-Ghia |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 1584 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2430 mm |
