1991 Caterham Super 7 vs. 1981 Fiat Ritmo
To start off, 1991 Caterham Super 7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Fiat Ritmo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Fiat Ritmo would be higher. At 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1991 Caterham Super 7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (100 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1991 Caterham Super 7 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Fiat Ritmo weights approximately 430 kg more than 1991 Caterham Super 7.
Because 1991 Caterham Super 7 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 1991 Caterham Super 7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1991 Caterham Super 7 (143 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat Ritmo. (131 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1991 Caterham Super 7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat Ritmo.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 Caterham Super 7 | 1981 Fiat Ritmo | |
| Make | Caterham | Fiat |
| Model | Super 7 | Ritmo |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 143 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3380 mm | 3940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2460 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 36 L | 50 L |
