1978 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2009 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2009 Lotus Exige 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Lotus Exige (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (64 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Lotus Exige weights approximately 56 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 2009 Lotus Exige 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 2009 Lotus Exige. 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, 2009 Lotus Exige (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat Ritmo | 2009 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Ritmo | Exige |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1301 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.1:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 916 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 40 L |
