1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1998 Mazda 323
To start off, 1998 Mazda 323 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda 323 (70 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda 323 weights approximately 215 kg more than 1979 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 (130 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 1998 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Ritmo | 323 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1175 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 |
