1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1985 Volkswagen Polo
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Polo is newer by 11 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 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Polo (116 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Polo should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 131 weights approximately 255 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Polo.
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, 1985 Volkswagen Polo, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Polo (145 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Polo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1985 Volkswagen Polo | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Polo |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2340 mm |
