1957 Fiat 1100 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 1100. (49 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 340 kg more than 1957 Fiat 1100. 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fiat 1100 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 1100 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 2444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 68 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 74.9 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1460 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2500 mm |
