1996 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (127 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 340 kg more than 1978 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, 1996 Honda Civic (145 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. 1978 Fiat Ritmo has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat Ritmo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Civic | 1978 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Honda | Fiat |
| Model | Civic | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 127 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1410 mm |
