1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2002 Suzuki Wagon R+
To start off, 2002 Suzuki Wagon R+ 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 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Suzuki Wagon R+ (70 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Suzuki Wagon R+ should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 305 kg more than 2002 Suzuki Wagon R+.
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 Suzuki Wagon R+, 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 (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Suzuki Wagon R+. (101 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Suzuki Wagon R+. 2002 Suzuki Wagon R+ 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 Suzuki Wagon R+ will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2002 Suzuki Wagon R+ | |
| Make | Fiat | Suzuki |
| Model | 131 | Wagon R+ |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2002 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 1171 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 101 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 71 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 74 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1710 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2250 mm |
