1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2008 Ford Focus
To start off, 2008 Ford Focus is newer by 30 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, 1978 Fiat 131 (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2008 Ford Focus. (74 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Fiat 131 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Focus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 14 kg more than 2008 Ford Focus. 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, 2008 Ford Focus, 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 (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Focus. (123 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1978 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Focus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2008 Ford Focus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Focus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1388 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1540 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2620 mm |
