1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1985 Mercury Lynx
To start off, 1985 Mercury Lynx is newer by 7 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, 1985 Mercury Lynx (89 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Mercury Lynx should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 155 kg more than 1985 Mercury Lynx.
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, 1985 Mercury Lynx, 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, 1985 Mercury Lynx (144 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1985 Mercury Lynx will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1985 Mercury Lynx | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Lynx |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1859 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4300 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2400 mm |
