1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1989 Peugeot 605
To start off, 1989 Peugeot 605 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Peugeot 605 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Peugeot 605 (130 HP) has 77 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Peugeot 605 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Peugeot 605 weights approximately 359 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 Peugeot 605, 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 Peugeot 605 (175 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1989 Peugeot 605 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1989 Peugeot 605 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 131 | 605 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 130 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1324 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2810 mm |
