1986 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,390 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (74 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1986 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1986 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 265 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Volkswagen Golf (125 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Fiat Ritmo. (87 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Fiat Ritmo | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ritmo | Golf |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 1390 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 87 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.1 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 75.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2470 mm |
