1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2002 Honda Accord
To start off, 2002 Honda Accord is newer by 24 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, 2002 Honda Accord (159 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 84 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda Accord should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Honda Accord weights approximately 202 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, 2002 Honda Accord, 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, 2002 Honda Accord (217 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2002 Honda Accord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2002 Honda Accord 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. 2002 Honda Accord will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2002 Honda Accord | |
| Make | Fiat | Honda |
| Model | 131 | Accord |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 2354 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1392 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2580 mm |
