1982 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2002 Lotus Exige
To start off, 2002 Lotus Exige is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lotus Exige is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lotus Exige (177 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1982 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lotus Exige should accelerate faster than 1982 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 60 kg more than 2002 Lotus Exige.
Because 2002 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 2002 Lotus Exige. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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 Exige (181 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Fiat Ritmo. (86 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2002 Lotus Exige will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1982 Fiat Ritmo | 2002 Lotus Exige | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Ritmo | Exige |
| Year Released | 1982 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 89.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
