1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2004 Ford Falcon
To start off, 2004 Ford Falcon is newer by 26 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 3,984 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Falcon (220 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Falcon weights approximately 335 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, 2004 Ford Falcon (357 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2004 Ford Falcon | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Falcon |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 357 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 92.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 99.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1515 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2800 mm |
