1958 Abarth 1000 vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Abarth 1000 (87 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Abarth 1000 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 530 kg more than 1958 Abarth 1000.
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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 1000. (96 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 1000. 1979 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1958 Abarth 1000 has manual transmission. 1958 Abarth 1000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 1000 | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 1000 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 58 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2500 mm |
