1976 Fiat 131 vs. 1987 Lancia Thema
To start off, 1987 Lancia Thema is newer by 11 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Lancia Thema is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Lancia Thema (164 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 131. (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Thema should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Lancia Thema weights approximately 270 kg more than 1976 Fiat 131. 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, 1987 Lancia Thema, 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, 1987 Lancia Thema (225 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 131. (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1987 Lancia Thema will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 1987 Lancia Thema | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 131 | Thema |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 164 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2670 mm |
