1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1968 Mazda R-100
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Mazda R-100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mazda R-100 would be higher. At 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mazda R-100 (110 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mazda R-100 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1968 Mazda R-100.
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 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Mazda R-100. (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Mazda R-100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1968 Mazda R-100 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 131 | R-100 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1968 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1963 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3840 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1490 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2270 mm |
