1985 Fiat Ritmo vs. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1985 Fiat Ritmo. (53 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 185 kg more than 1985 Fiat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Fiat Ritmo. (86 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Fiat Ritmo | 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | Ritmo | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1116 cc | 1839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2270 mm |
