1991 BMW 518 vs. 1981 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1991 BMW 518 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1991 BMW 518. (114 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 518. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1991 BMW 518 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Because 1991 BMW 518 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 1991 BMW 518. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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 Fiat Ritmo (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 518. (165 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 518.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 518 | 1981 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 518 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2460 mm |
