1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1976 Ford Cortina
To start off, 1978 Fiat 131 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Cortina (56 HP) has 3 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Cortina should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Cortina weights approximately 85 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Cortina. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Cortina.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1976 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Cortina |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 56 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1050 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2590 mm |
