1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 1981 Ford Escort is newer by 7 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Escort (70 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 131 weights approximately 11 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort.
Because 1974 Fiat 131 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1974 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1981 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2400 mm |
