1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1971 Mercury Comet
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mercury Comet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mercury Comet would be higher. At 2,782 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Mercury Comet is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Mercury Comet (81 HP) has 28 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Mercury Comet should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Mercury Comet weights approximately 255 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, 1971 Mercury Comet (175 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1971 Mercury Comet will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1971 Mercury Comet | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Comet |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2782 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 81 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
