1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1972 Opel Manta
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 59 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 250 kg more than 1972 Opel Manta.
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 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Opel Manta. (90 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Opel Manta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1972 Opel Manta | |
| Make | Fiat | Opel |
| Model | 131 | Manta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 90 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 61 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
