1979 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2001 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2001 Lotus Exige is newer by 22 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 1,794 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 4500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 180 kg more than 2001 Lotus Exige.
Because 2001 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 2001 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 2001 Lotus Exige (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat Ritmo. (98 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat Ritmo | 2001 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Ritmo | Exige |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4500 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 98 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
