1972 Fiat 124 vs. 1974 Fiat 131
To start off, 1974 Fiat 131 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Fiat 124. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Fiat 124 would be higher. At 1,747 cc (4 cylinders), 1972 Fiat 124 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Fiat 124 (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Fiat 124 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 131 weights approximately 9 kg more than 1972 Fiat 124.
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, 1972 Fiat 124 (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Fiat 124 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131. 1974 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 1972 Fiat 124 has manual transmission. 1972 Fiat 124 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:
| 1972 Fiat 124 | 1974 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 124 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1585 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2500 mm |
