1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1996 Honda Step Wagon
To start off, 1996 Honda Step Wagon 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 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Step Wagon (123 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Step Wagon should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Step Wagon weights approximately 260 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 1996 Honda Step Wagon 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, 1996 Honda Step Wagon 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, 1996 Honda Step Wagon (185 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Step Wagon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1996 Honda Step Wagon 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. 1996 Honda Step Wagon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1996 Honda Step Wagon | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 131 | Step Wagon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1972 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2810 mm |
