1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1986 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1986 Mercury Lynx is newer by 12 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 1,859 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Mercury Lynx is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Mercury Lynx (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Mercury Lynx should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 131 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1986 Mercury Lynx.
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, 1986 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1986 Mercury Lynx (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1986 Mercury Lynx will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1986 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Lynx |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2400 mm |
