1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1997 SsangYong Chairman H
To start off, 1997 SsangYong Chairman H is newer by 19 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, 1997 SsangYong Chairman H (139 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 SsangYong Chairman H should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 SsangYong Chairman H weights approximately 385 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.
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, 1997 SsangYong Chairman H (213 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 69 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 SsangYong Chairman H will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1997 SsangYong Chairman H 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. 1997 SsangYong Chairman H will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1997 SsangYong Chairman H | |
| Make | Fiat | SsangYong |
| Model | 131 | Chairman H |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 2295 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 213 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1575 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2910 mm |
