1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2010 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2010 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 29 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 5,500 cc (12 cylinders), 2010 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercedes-Benz S (510 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 387 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (123 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 1265 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 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 2010 Mercedes-Benz S. 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, 2010 Mercedes-Benz S (829 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 657 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (172 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. 2010 Mercedes-Benz S 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. 2010 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 2010 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ritmo | S |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 5500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 510 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 829 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 2245 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 5245 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1473 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 3165 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 90 L |
