1974 Fiat 131 vs. 1999 Rover 25
To start off, 1999 Rover 25 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Rover 25 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Rover 25 (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Rover 25 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Rover 25 weights approximately 65 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, 1999 Rover 25, 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 Rover 25 (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 Rover 25 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 1999 Rover 25 | |
| Make | Fiat | Rover |
| Model | 131 | 25 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 103 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 138 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1030 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 50 L |
