1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1978 Volvo 260
To start off, 1978 Volvo 260 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,664 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Volvo 260 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volvo 260 (146 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volvo 260 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volvo 260 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1974 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, 1978 Volvo 260 (219 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Volvo 260 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1978 Volvo 260 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 131 | 260 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 219 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2660 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
