1959 Fiat 1800 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1800 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1800 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1800 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1800 weights approximately 35 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, 1959 Fiat 1800 (127 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1978 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1959 Fiat 1800 has manual transmission. 1959 Fiat 1800 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1959 Fiat 1800 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 1800 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2500 mm |
