1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2000 Lexus IS
To start off, 2000 Lexus IS is newer by 22 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Lexus IS (153 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2000 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Lexus IS weights approximately 220 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, 2000 Lexus IS (195 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2000 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2000 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Fiat | Lexus |
| Model | 131 | IS |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2000 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2680 mm |
