1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1988 Peugeot 405
To start off, 1988 Peugeot 405 is newer by 10 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, 1988 Peugeot 405 (89 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Peugeot 405 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 98 kg more than 1988 Peugeot 405.
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, 1988 Peugeot 405, 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Peugeot 405. (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Peugeot 405.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1988 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 131 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1580 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 132 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1092 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2710 mm |
