1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1989 Lexus LS
To start off, 1989 Lexus LS 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 3,969 cc (8 cylinders), 1989 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Lexus LS (242 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 167 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Lexus LS weights approximately 628 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Lexus LS (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1989 Lexus LS has automatic transmission and 1978 Fiat 131 has manual transmission. 1978 Fiat 131 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1989 Lexus LS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1989 Lexus LS | |
| Make | Fiat | Lexus |
| Model | 131 | LS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 3969 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1818 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2820 mm |
