1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1997 Toyota MR2
To start off, 1997 Toyota MR2 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Toyota MR2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Toyota MR2 (173 HP) has 120 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Toyota MR2 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 270 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 Toyota MR2 (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1997 Toyota MR2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1997 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 131 | MR2 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 173 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2430 mm |
