1974 Fiat 131 vs. 2005 Volvo V50
To start off, 2005 Volvo V50 is newer by 31 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 2,401 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Volvo V50 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volvo V50 (161 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1974 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volvo V50 should accelerate faster than 1974 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volvo V50 weights approximately 473 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, 2005 Volvo V50, 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, 2005 Volvo V50 (230 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Volvo V50 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Fiat 131. 2005 Volvo V50 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. 2005 Volvo V50 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Fiat 131 | 2005 Volvo V50 | |
| Make | Fiat | Volvo |
| Model | 131 | V50 |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2401 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 161 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1438 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 62 L |
