1976 Fiat 131 vs. 2007 Skoda Octavia
To start off, 2007 Skoda Octavia is newer by 31 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Skoda Octavia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Skoda Octavia (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1976 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Skoda Octavia should accelerate faster than 1976 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Skoda Octavia weights approximately 410 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, 2007 Skoda Octavia, 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, 2007 Skoda Octavia (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2007 Skoda Octavia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Fiat 131. 2007 Skoda Octavia has automatic transmission and 1976 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1976 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 Skoda Octavia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Fiat 131 | 2007 Skoda Octavia | |
| Make | Fiat | Skoda |
| Model | 131 | Octavia |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1295 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2580 mm |
