1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2001 Ford Focus
To start off, 2001 Ford Focus 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 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Fiat 131 (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2001 Ford Focus. (73 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 2001 Ford Focus.
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 Ford Focus, 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Focus. (125 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2001 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2620 mm |
