1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 20 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 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 245 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, 1998 Mazda 323 (162 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. 1998 Mazda 323 has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat Ritmo has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat Ritmo will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda 323 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Ritmo | 323 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
