1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 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 1,780 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 355 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 1990 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1974 Fiat 131. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Passat (225 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 123 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1990 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1780 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
