1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2001 Citroen C5
To start off, 2001 Citroen C5 is newer by 23 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 2,177 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Citroen C5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Citroen C5 (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Citroen C5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Citroen C5 weights approximately 340 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 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, 2001 Citroen C5, 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, 2001 Citroen C5 (314 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Citroen C5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2001 Citroen C5 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. 2001 Citroen C5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2001 Citroen C5 | |
| Make | Fiat | Citroen |
| Model | 131 | C5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2177 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 314 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2760 mm |
