1976 Citroen GS vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Citroen GS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Citroen GS would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Citroen GS. (55 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1976 Citroen GS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1976 Citroen GS. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Citroen GS, 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Citroen GS. (72 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Citroen GS.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Citroen GS | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Citroen | Fiat |
| Model | GS | 131 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1015 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 55 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 72 Nm | 113 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 59 mm | 82 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2500 mm |
