1977 Fiat 131 vs. 2002 Lancia Zeta
To start off, 2002 Lancia Zeta is newer by 25 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Lancia Zeta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Lancia Zeta (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Lancia Zeta should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Lancia Zeta weights approximately 580 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, 2002 Lancia Zeta, 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, 2002 Lancia Zeta (181 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 79 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 Lancia Zeta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 131. 2002 Lancia Zeta has automatic transmission and 1977 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1977 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Lancia Zeta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 131 | 2002 Lancia Zeta | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 131 | Zeta |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 134 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2830 mm |
