1981 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2002 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2002 Lotus Elise is newer by 21 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Elise (120 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 110 kg more than 2002 Lotus Elise.
Because 2002 Lotus Elise 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 2002 Lotus Elise. 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, 2002 Lotus Elise (168 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Fiat Ritmo | 2002 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Ritmo | Elise |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1049 cc | 1795 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 750 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1150 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
