1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1996 Toyota Carina
To start off, 1996 Toyota Carina is newer by 22 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 1,762 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Toyota Carina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Toyota Carina (107 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Carina weights approximately 180 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, 1996 Toyota Carina, 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, 1996 Toyota Carina (155 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1996 Toyota Carina | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 131 | Carina |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1762 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 107 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 155 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 85.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1145 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
