1945 Austin 16 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1945 Austin 16. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1945 Austin 16 would be higher. At 2,200 cc (4 cylinders), 1945 Austin 16 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1945 Austin 16 (63 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1945 Austin 16 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1945 Austin 16 weights approximately 100 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1945 Austin 16 (147 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1945 Austin 16 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1945 Austin 16 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Austin | Fiat |
| Model | 16 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1945 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2200 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1690 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2500 mm |
