1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1986 Toyota Tercel
To start off, 1986 Toyota Tercel 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 1,585 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Fiat 131 (75 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1986 Toyota Tercel. (70 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1986 Toyota Tercel. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 131 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1986 Toyota Tercel. 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, 1986 Toyota Tercel, 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, 1974 Fiat 131 (124 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Toyota Tercel. (108 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 1974 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Toyota Tercel. 1986 Toyota Tercel 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. 1986 Toyota Tercel will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1986 Toyota Tercel | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 131 | Tercel |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 1295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1030 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
