1998 BMW 318 vs. 1981 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 17 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 1,895 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 BMW 318 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 BMW 318 (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 BMW 318 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 318 weights approximately 535 kg more than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 BMW 318 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 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1998 BMW 318 (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 BMW 318 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1981 Fiat Ritmo has manual transmission. 1981 Fiat Ritmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1981 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 318 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 1049 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 80.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 55.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 860 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2460 mm |
