1954 Austin-Healey 100 vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1954 Austin-Healey 100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Austin-Healey 100 would be higher. At 2,660 cc (4 cylinders), 1954 Austin-Healey 100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 75 kg more than 1954 Austin-Healey 100.
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, 1954 Austin-Healey 100 (144 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Austin-Healey 100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Austin-Healey 100 | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Austin-Healey | Fiat |
| Model | 100 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2660 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 71.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3860 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1540 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2500 mm |
