1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2001 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2001 Pontiac Firebird 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Firebird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (198 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 139 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Pontiac Firebird should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 281 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, 2001 Pontiac Firebird (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2001 Pontiac Firebird will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2001 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Fiat | Pontiac |
| Model | 131 | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 96.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1461 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2570 mm |
