1983 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1966 Lotus Elan
To start off, 1983 Fiat Ritmo is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Lotus Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Lotus Elan would be higher. At 1,557 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Lotus Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Lotus Elan (115 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. (59 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1966 Lotus Elan should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 168 kg more than 1966 Lotus Elan.
Because 1966 Lotus Elan 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 1966 Lotus Elan. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 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, 1966 Lotus Elan (147 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. (81 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Lotus Elan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat Ritmo | 1966 Lotus Elan | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Ritmo | Elan |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 1557 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 81 Nm | 147 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.5 mm | 72.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 864 kg | 696 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 3700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1430 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2140 mm |
