1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1970 Ford Escort
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Escort 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 15 more horse power than 1970 Ford Escort. (38 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 160 kg more than 1970 Ford Escort. 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Escort. (68 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1970 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1098 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 38 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 68 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2400 mm |
