1974 Fiat 131 vs. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse
To start off, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is newer by 29 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 2,350 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse (146 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse weights approximately 440 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse, 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, 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse (214 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse | |
| Make | Fiat | Mitsubishi |
| Model | 131 | Eclipse |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2350 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 214 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
