1971 Fiat 130 vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Fiat 130. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Fiat 130 would be higher. At 3,238 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Fiat 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Fiat 130 (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Fiat 130 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Fiat 130 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. 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, 1971 Fiat 130 (255 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1971 Fiat 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Fiat 130 | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 130 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3238 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 255 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2500 mm |
