1983 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1998 Lotus Elise
To start off, 1998 Lotus Elise is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Lotus Elise (187 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 134 more horse power than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 126 kg more than 1998 Lotus Elise.
Because 1998 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 1998 Lotus Elise. 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, 1998 Lotus Elise (193 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Fiat Ritmo. (86 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1998 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Fiat Ritmo | 1998 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Ritmo | Elise |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1998 |
| 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 | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 714 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2310 mm |
