1971 Fiat 124 vs. 1979 Fiat 131
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 124 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 12 more horse power than 1971 Fiat 124. (59 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1971 Fiat 124. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 298 kg more than 1971 Fiat 124. 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 @ 2400 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Fiat 124. (89 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Fiat 124.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 124 | 1979 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 124 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1197 cc | 2443 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 89 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 912 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2500 mm |
