1977 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2012 Toyota Highlander is newer by 35 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 2,700 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Highlander (187 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 123 more horse power than 1977 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1977 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 770 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander, 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, 2012 Toyota Highlander (252 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Fiat 131. 2012 Toyota Highlander 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. 2012 Toyota Highlander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Fiat 131 | 2012 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 131 | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 252 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4785 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2789 mm |
