1988 Lotus Esprit vs. 1980 Seat Ritmo
To start off, 1988 Lotus Esprit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Seat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Seat Ritmo would be higher. At 2,174 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Lotus Esprit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Lotus Esprit (172 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1980 Seat Ritmo. (63 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Lotus Esprit should accelerate faster than 1980 Seat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Lotus Esprit weights approximately 296 kg more than 1980 Seat Ritmo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Lotus Esprit 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 1988 Lotus Esprit. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Seat 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, 1988 Lotus Esprit (221 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Seat Ritmo. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Lotus Esprit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Seat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Lotus Esprit | 1980 Seat Ritmo | |
| Make | Lotus | Seat |
| Model | Esprit | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2174 cc | 1197 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 172 HP | 63 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1176 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1160 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2460 mm |
