1976 Fiat 131 vs. 1980 Ford Escort
To start off, 1980 Ford Escort is newer by 4 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 1,295 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Fiat 131 (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1980 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1980 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Fiat 131 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1980 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 1980 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 939 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 45 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 60 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1570 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
