1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1995 Ford Escort
To start off, 1995 Ford Escort is newer by 17 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Escort (89 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Escort weights approximately 25 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, 1995 Ford Escort, 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, 1995 Ford Escort (134 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1995 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Escort |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 76.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1205 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
