1984 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (134 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1984 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 225 kg more than 1984 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (163 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat Ritmo. (86 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Fiat Ritmo | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Ritmo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72 mm | 85 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2270 mm |
