1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1986 Peugeot 205
To start off, 1986 Peugeot 205 is newer by 8 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, 1986 Peugeot 205 (130 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Peugeot 205 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 315 kg more than 1986 Peugeot 205.
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, 1986 Peugeot 205, 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, 1986 Peugeot 205 (161 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1986 Peugeot 205 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1986 Peugeot 205 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 131 | 205 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1905 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 161 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2430 mm |
