1978 Fiat 131 vs. 1999 Toyota Vitz
To start off, 1999 Toyota Vitz is newer by 21 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 1,452 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Toyota Vitz is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Toyota Vitz (108 HP) has 55 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Toyota Vitz should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 5 kg more than 1999 Toyota Vitz.
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, 1999 Toyota Vitz, 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, 1999 Toyota Vitz (143 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1999 Toyota Vitz will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1999 Toyota Vitz 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. 1999 Toyota Vitz will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 1999 Toyota Vitz | |
| Make | Fiat | Toyota |
| Model | 131 | Vitz |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1999 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1452 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 108 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2380 mm |
