1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1987 Lancia Prisma
To start off, 1987 Lancia Prisma is newer by 9 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, 1987 Lancia Prisma (76 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Lancia Prisma 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 1987 Lancia Prisma.
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, 1987 Lancia Prisma, 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 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Lancia Prisma. (105 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Lancia Prisma.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1987 Lancia Prisma | |
| Make | Fiat | Lancia |
| Model | 131 | Prisma |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1301 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 76 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 55.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2480 mm |
