1974 Fiat 131 vs. 2002 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2002 Ford Taurus is newer by 28 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 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Taurus weights approximately 512 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, 2002 Ford Taurus, 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, 2002 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131. 2002 Ford Taurus 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. 2002 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 2002 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2933 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 68 L |
