1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1966 Renault 8
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Renault 8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Renault 8 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1966 Renault 8. (47 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1966 Renault 8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 440 kg more than 1966 Renault 8. 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 (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Renault 8. (78 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Renault 8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1966 Renault 8 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 131 | 8 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1966 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 956 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 78 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 740 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2280 mm |
