1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1979 Seat 131
To start off, 1979 Seat 131 is newer by 5 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 2,445 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Seat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Seat 131 (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Seat 131 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Seat 131 weights approximately 225 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, 1979 Seat 131 (149 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Seat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1979 Seat 131 | |
| Make | Fiat | Seat |
| Model | 131 | 131 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2445 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2500 mm |
