1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1981 Honda Accord
To start off, 1981 Honda Accord 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, 1981 Honda Accord (79 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 230 kg more than 1981 Honda Accord.
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, 1981 Honda Accord, 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 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Accord. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1981 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 131 | Accord |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1602 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2460 mm |
