1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1952 Porsche 356
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 1952 Porsche 356. (38 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1952 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 410 kg more than 1952 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1952 Porsche 356. (106 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1952 Porsche 356.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1952 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Fiat | Porsche |
| Model | 131 | 356 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1952 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1131 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 38 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 106 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 7.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 780 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3860 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2110 mm |
