1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Pontiac Grand Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am (163 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Pontiac Grand Am should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am weights approximately 55 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 Pontiac Grand Am, 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 Pontiac Grand Am (237 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Pontiac Grand Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1989 Pontiac Grand Am 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 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Fiat 131 | 1989 Pontiac Grand Am | |
Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
Model | 131 | Grand Am |
Year Released | 1978 | 1989 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1996 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 59 HP | 163 HP |
Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 113 Nm | 237 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 86 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1235 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4520 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1340 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |