1959 Renault Dauphine vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Renault Dauphine. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Renault Dauphine would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Fiat 131 (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1959 Renault Dauphine. (33 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1959 Renault Dauphine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 578 kg more than 1959 Renault Dauphine. 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, 1979 Fiat 131 (152 Nm) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Renault Dauphine. (45 Nm). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Renault Dauphine. 1979 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1959 Renault Dauphine has manual transmission. 1959 Renault Dauphine 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:
| 1959 Renault Dauphine | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Renault | Fiat |
| Model | Dauphine | 131 |
| Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 845 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 33 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 54.5 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 632 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3940 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2500 mm |
