1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1985 Mazda 323
To start off, 1985 Mazda 323 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Mazda 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Mazda 323 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mazda 323 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Mazda 323 weights approximately 80 kg more than 1981 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, 1985 Mazda 323 (137 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Mazda 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 1985 Mazda 323 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Ritmo | 323 |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
