1986 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1986 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Cortina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Cortina (86 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1986 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Cortina weights approximately 270 kg more than 1986 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Cortina 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 Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1978 Ford Cortina (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Fiat Ritmo. (87 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Cortina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Fiat Ritmo | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Ritmo | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2580 mm |
