1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1959 Ford Prefect
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Ford Prefect. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Ford Prefect would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (53 HP) has 22 more horse power than 1959 Ford Prefect. (31 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1959 Ford Prefect. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 200 kg more than 1959 Ford Prefect. 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 (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Ford Prefect. (71 Nm @ 2150 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Ford Prefect.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1959 Ford Prefect | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Prefect |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 31 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 71 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2150 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 765 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1550 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2220 mm |
