| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1982 |
| Production Years: | 1982 - 1988 discontinued in 1988 |
The Fiat Ritmo I (138A) facelifted in 1982, was a compact coupe produced by the Italian manufacturer Fiat from 1982 until 1988. This generation built upon the original 1978 Ritmo model, refining its style and engineering to appeal to buyers seeking a sporty yet practical vehicle. The Ritmo I is notable for its distinctive angular design language and for being one of Fiat's efficient compact coupes of the 1980s. While exact dimensions vary slightly between versions, the Ritmo I typically measured around 3.98 meters (156.7 inches) in length, with a width close to 1.65 meters (64.9 inches) and height near 1.40 meters (55.1 inches). This size positioned it comfortably within the subcompact to compact segment, offering a balance of easy urban maneuverability and interior space suitable for a small family or couple. The platform and body styling gave the coupe a low and sporty stance, enhancing its appeal as a nimble and practical car in its class. Production from 1982 to 1988 saw several engine options and trim variations, maintaining relevance in a competitive market segment dominated by similarly sized Japanese and European hatchbacks and coupes. Overall, the Fiat Ritmo I (138A facelift) represents an important chapter in Fiat’s compact coupe history, combining Italian design flair with the versatility expected of everyday vehicles in the small car category during the 1980s.
Discover the standout features that make the 1982 Fiat Ritmo I a leader in its class
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The Fiat Ritmo I (138A facelift 1982) coupe features compact dimensions suitable for urban and everyday driving. It measures approximately 4,072 mm (160.3 inches) in length, 1,645 mm (64.8 inches) in width, and 1,390 mm (54.7 inches) in height. These measurements contribute to its distinctive hatchback coupe design that blends a sporty appearance with practical size. The relatively modest width ensures easy maneuverability through tight city streets, while the low height accentuates the car’s sporty stance and aerodynamics.
The wheelbase of the Fiat Ritmo I (facelift 1982) measures approximately 2,430 mm (95.7 inches). This mid-length wheelbase strikes a balance between stability and agility. A wheelbase of this size typically provides a comfortable ride by effectively absorbing road imperfections, while still allowing for nimble handling characteristics. For a compact coupe like the Ritmo I, this wheelbase length helps keep the car responsive in cornering while maintaining a stable feel on highways, making it suitable for both city and longer journeys.
The curb weight of the 1982 Fiat Ritmo I facelift coupe is around 920 to 1,000 kilograms (approximately 2,030 to 2,205 pounds), depending on the specific engine and trim. This relatively light weight for a small coupe contributes to its lively performance and fuel efficiency. The lower weight enhances acceleration and nimbleness, making the car feel responsive on the road. Additionally, it benefits braking and handling dynamics, allowing the Ritmo I to maintain agility while providing a practical driving experience.
The 1982 Fiat Ritmo I facelift coupe offers a reasonably comfortable interior for its class and era. The seating configuration supports four occupants, with a focus on front passenger comfort and usability. While rear seat space can be somewhat tight due to the coupe’s compact length and sporty profile, the design maximizes headroom and legroom within constraints. The relatively low roofline offers a sporty feel but slightly limits vertical space for rear passengers. Overall, the interior was designed to balance sportiness with practicality for daily usage.
Yes, the Fiat Ritmo I facelift coupe fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. Most traditional garages have door openings ranging from about 2.4 to 2.7 meters (approximately 7.9 to 8.9 feet) in width and a clearance height around 2.1 to 2.4 meters (6.9 to 7.9 feet). Given the Ritmo's length of roughly 4.07 meters (13.35 feet), width of 1.645 meters (5.4 feet), and height of 1.39 meters (4.56 feet), it fits easily within these dimensions, leaving enough clearance for opening doors and storage solutions. Its compact size was in fact advantageous for urban or residential parking.
The Fiat Ritmo I (facelift 1982) has an exterior width of about 1,645 mm (64.8 inches), which is fairly typical for compact coupes from the early 1980s. For comparison, competitors like the Volkswagen Scirocco Mk1 had a width near 1,650 mm (65 inches), while the Ford Escort RS2000 coupe was close to 1,650 mm as well. This means the Ritmo I sits comfortably within the standard footprint of its segment, balancing slender dimensions for urban maneuverability with enough width to provide stability and interior space.
The facelifted 1982 Fiat Ritmo I (138A) is an evolution of the original Ritmo launched in 1978. Dimensionally, the facelift kept the fundamental platform and size intact but introduced updated styling with slightly revised bumpers and trim details. The length and width remained similar, preserving the compact and agile nature of the car. Mechanically, the facelift brought improvements in engine tuning and refined suspension setups, enhancing driving comfort and performance. Compared to the original generation, the facelift version felt more modern and slightly more upscale inside, addressing criticisms related to ride and refinement.
The 1982 Fiat Ritmo I facelift coupe fits in the mid-range size category among early 1980s hatchback coupes. For instance, the Scirocco Mk1 by Volkswagen measured slightly longer around 4,030 mm (158.7 inches) but was similar in width and height. The Renault Fuego coupe was larger, at approximately 4,290 mm (168.9 inches) in length and wider, providing more interior space but slightly less nimble handling. The Ritmo’s dimensions favored compact urban usability combined with sporty aesthetics, making it competitive among European hatchback coupes while providing practicality with its modest footprint.
The 1982 facelifted Fiat Ritmo I offered a practical hatchback cargo area typical of small coupes of its time. While exact volume figures vary by source, the luggage capacity is generally estimated around 250 to 320 liters (approximately 8.8 to 11.3 cubic feet) with rear seats up. Folding the rear seats down expanded this significantly, allowing for larger or bulkier items to be transported, enhancing the car’s practicality. This flexible cargo space combined with a sporty two-door design made the Ritmo I suitable for everyday family errands or weekend trips.
The Fiat Ritmo I (138A facelift from 1982) was primarily available as a two-door coupe, continuing the sporty image of the original model. It featured a range of inline-four petrol engines and some diesel options, varying by market. Petrol engines ranged from smaller 1.1-liter units to more powerful 1.5-liter and 1.6-liter variants, delivering a balance of economy and performance. Diesel versions were less common but provided enhanced fuel efficiency. The facelift also improved some mechanical components and interior fittings, making the car more refined than the original. Overall, the model aimed to appeal to those seeking a compact yet spirited driving experience.
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