1966 Datsun 1000 vs. 1974 Fiat 131
To start off, 1974 Fiat 131 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Datsun 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Datsun 1000 would be higher. At 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Fiat 131 (75 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1966 Datsun 1000. (61 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1966 Datsun 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 131 weights approximately 350 kg more than 1966 Datsun 1000. 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, 1974 Fiat 131 (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Datsun 1000. (84 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1974 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Datsun 1000. 1974 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1966 Datsun 1000 has manual transmission. 1966 Datsun 1000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1974 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Datsun 1000 | 1974 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Datsun | Fiat |
| Model | 1000 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 988 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 61 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 84 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 625 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3820 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2500 mm |
