1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2005 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2005 Land Rover Defender is newer by 27 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 2,494 cc (5 cylinders), 2005 Land Rover Defender is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Land Rover Defender (120 HP @ 1950 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 927 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 2005 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Fiat 131. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Land Rover Defender (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 156 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2005 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Fiat | Land Rover |
| Model | 131 | Defender |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 2117 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 2040 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3230 mm |
