2006 BMW 550 vs. 1979 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 4,799 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 301 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 550 weights approximately 861 kg more than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 550 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 2006 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2006 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 1979 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | BMW | Fiat |
| Model | 550 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 1049 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 81 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 55.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1725 kg | 864 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2460 mm |
