1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1981 Fiat 126
To start off, 1981 Fiat 126 is newer by 3 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 51 more horse power than 1981 Fiat 126. (24 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 1981 Fiat 126. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 605 kg more than 1981 Fiat 126. 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 (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Fiat 126. (42 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Fiat 126.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1981 Fiat 126 | |
| Make | Fiat | Fiat |
| Model | 131 | 126 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 652 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 2 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 24 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 42 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1390 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 1850 mm |
