1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1996 Honda Prelude
To start off, 1996 Honda Prelude is newer by 18 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1996 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Prelude (131 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Prelude 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, 1996 Honda Prelude, 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, 1996 Honda Prelude (179 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1996 Honda Prelude | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 131 | Prelude |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2580 mm |
