1968 Abarth 1300 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Abarth 1300 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Abarth 1300 (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 510 kg more than 1968 Abarth 1300.
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, 1978 Fiat 131 (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Abarth 1300. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Abarth 1300.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Abarth 1300 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Abarth | Fiat |
| Model | 1300 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 670 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3720 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1500 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1060 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2050 mm | 2500 mm |
