1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1959 Riley 4
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Riley 4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Riley 4 would be higher. At 1,487 cc (4 cylinders), 1959 Riley 4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Riley 4 (63 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1959 Riley 4 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Riley 4 weights approximately 175 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. 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, 1959 Riley 4 (115 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1959 Riley 4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1959 Riley 4 | |
| Make | Fiat | Riley |
| Model | 131 | 4 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1959 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1487 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 63 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1140 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1530 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2530 mm |
