1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1999 Kia Rio
To start off, 1999 Kia Rio is newer by 25 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 1,493 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Kia Rio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Rio (98 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Fiat 131 weights approximately 20 kg more than 1999 Kia Rio.
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, 1999 Kia Rio, 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, 1999 Kia Rio (143 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Kia Rio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1999 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Fiat | Kia |
| Model | 131 | Rio |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1493 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 98 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2420 mm |
