1977 Fiat 131 vs. 1997 Ford Contour
To start off, 1997 Ford Contour is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,544 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Contour is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Contour (200 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Contour weights approximately 370 kg more than 1977 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 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 1977 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Contour, 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, 1997 Ford Contour (231 Nm @ 5625 RPM) has 129 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Contour will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 131 | 1997 Ford Contour | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Contour |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2544 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5625 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2710 mm |
