1976 Fiat 131 vs. 1998 Rover 400
To start off, 1998 Rover 400 is newer by 22 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), 1976 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Fiat 131 (137 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1998 Rover 400. (102 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1998 Rover 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Rover 400 weights approximately 125 kg more than 1976 Fiat 131.
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, 1998 Rover 400, 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, 1998 Rover 400 (182 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 131. (177 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1998 Rover 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 1998 Rover 400 | |
| Make | Fiat | Rover |
| Model | 131 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1394 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 137 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
