1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1979 Simca 1100
To start off, 1979 Simca 1100 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1979 Simca 1100. (44 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1979 Simca 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 310 kg more than 1979 Simca 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Fiat 131 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Simca 1100, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Simca 1100. (66 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Simca 1100.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1979 Simca 1100 | |
| Make | Fiat | Simca |
| Model | 131 | 1100 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 944 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 44 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 66 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 68 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 65 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2530 mm |
