1954 Buick 40 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 Buick 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1954 Buick 40 would be higher. At 4,328 cc (8 cylinders), 1954 Buick 40 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1954 Buick 40 (148 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1954 Buick 40 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1954 Buick 40 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1979 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, 1954 Buick 40 (325 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1954 Buick 40 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1954 Buick 40 | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Buick | Fiat |
| Model | 40 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1954 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4328 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1020 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3110 mm | 2500 mm |
