1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190
To start off, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 13 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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190 (109 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 26 kg more than 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190.
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, 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190 (150 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1991 Mercedes-Benz 190 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 131 | 190 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1991 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 72.2 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1164 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2670 mm |
