1976 Fiat 131 vs. 1979 Renault 4
To start off, 1979 Renault 4 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,993 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Fiat 131 (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1979 Renault 4. (34 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1979 Renault 4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Fiat 131 weights approximately 345 kg more than 1979 Renault 4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 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 1976 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Renault 4, 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, 1976 Fiat 131 (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Renault 4. (62 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1976 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Renault 4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 1979 Renault 4 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 131 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 955 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 34 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 62 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2410 mm |
