1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is newer by 10 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 2,966 cc (6 cylinders), 1984 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (123 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 245 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.
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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am, 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, 1984 Pontiac Grand Am (204 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 1974 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1974 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1984 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 131 | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2966 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 204 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1210 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
