2009 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus is newer by 31 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 1,753 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (74 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 397 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, 2009 Ford Focus (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. 1978 Fiat Ritmo has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Focus 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:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1978 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Focus | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1753 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 118 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 19.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1267 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 51 L |
