1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1994 Chevrolet Suburban
To start off, 1994 Chevrolet Suburban is newer by 16 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 6,466 cc (8 cylinders), 1994 Chevrolet Suburban is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Chevrolet Suburban (177 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Chevrolet Suburban should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1994 Chevrolet Suburban weights approximately 940 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 1994 Chevrolet Suburban is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Fiat 131. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1994 Chevrolet Suburban will offer significantly more control. 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, 1994 Chevrolet Suburban (366 Nm @ 1700 RPM) has 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1994 Chevrolet Suburban will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1994 Chevrolet Suburban 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. 1994 Chevrolet Suburban will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1994 Chevrolet Suburban | |
| Make | Fiat | Chevrolet |
| Model | 131 | Suburban |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1994 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 6466 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 177 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 9 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 2120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1960 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3350 mm |
