1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 25 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. Both 1978 Fiat Ritmo and 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata are equipped with a 1,498 cc engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (73 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 155 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.
Because 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (118 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Fiat Ritmo | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Fiat | Mazda |
Model | Ritmo | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1498 cc | 1498 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 73 HP | 112 HP |
Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
Torque | 118 Nm | 124 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 1025 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3960 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1240 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 50 L |