1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1989 Honda Accord
To start off, 1989 Honda Accord is newer by 11 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, 1989 Honda Accord (110 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Honda Accord weights approximately 141 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1989 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, 1989 Honda Accord (159 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1989 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 131 | Accord |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 110 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 8.9:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1331 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2510 mm |
