1984 Fiat Ritmo vs. 2011 Lotus Elise
To start off, 2011 Lotus Elise is newer by 27 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Lotus Elise is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lotus Elise (189 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1984 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lotus Elise should accelerate faster than 1984 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lotus Elise weights approximately 72 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 2011 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 2011 Lotus Elise. 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, 2011 Lotus Elise (180 Nm @ 6800 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Fiat Ritmo. (86 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2011 Lotus Elise will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Fiat Ritmo | 2011 Lotus Elise | |
| Make | Fiat | Lotus |
| Model | Ritmo | Elise |
| Year Released | 1984 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 1800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 180 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 912 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1118 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2299 mm |
