1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1980 Renault 14
To start off, 1980 Renault 14 is newer by 2 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Renault 14 (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Renault 14 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 290 kg more than 1980 Renault 14.
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, 1980 Renault 14, 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 (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Renault 14. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Renault 14.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1980 Renault 14 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 131 | 14 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 108 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
