1961 AC Cobra vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 AC Cobra would be higher. At 4,265 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 AC Cobra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 AC Cobra (256 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 185 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 AC Cobra should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1961 AC Cobra.
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, 1961 AC Cobra (365 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1961 AC Cobra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131. 1979 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1961 AC Cobra has manual transmission. 1961 AC Cobra 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:
| 1961 AC Cobra | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | AC | Fiat |
| Model | Cobra | 131 |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4265 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| 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 | 980 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2500 mm |
