1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1980 Vauxhall Astra
To start off, 1980 Vauxhall Astra 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 Vauxhall Astra (74 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Vauxhall Astra should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 325 kg more than 1980 Vauxhall Astra.
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 Vauxhall Astra, 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. (102 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Vauxhall Astra. 1980 Vauxhall Astra has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Vauxhall Astra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Fiat 131 | 1980 Vauxhall Astra | |
Make | Fiat | Vauxhall |
Model | 131 | Astra |
Year Released | 1978 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1297 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 74 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 113 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 855 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4010 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1650 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2520 mm |