1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1974 Mazda 818
To start off, 1981 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Fiat Ritmo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (100 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1974 Mazda 818. (68 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Fiat Ritmo should accelerate faster than 1974 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 60 kg more than 1974 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Mazda 818 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 1974 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Fiat Ritmo (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Mazda 818. (92 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1981 Fiat Ritmo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 1974 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Ritmo | 818 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 940 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4080 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2320 mm |
