1968 Datsun 1800 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 Datsun 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Datsun 1800 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Datsun 1800 (106 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Datsun 1800 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 214 kg more than 1968 Datsun 1800.
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, 1968 Datsun 1800 (156 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1968 Datsun 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Datsun 1800 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Datsun | Fiat |
| Model | 1800 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1816 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2500 mm |
