1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2006 Ford Ranger
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 28 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, 2006 Ford Ranger (143 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131.
Because 2006 Ford Ranger 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, 2006 Ford Ranger 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, 2006 Ford Ranger (209 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2006 Ford Ranger | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Ranger |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 2299 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2840 mm |
