1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Ford Escape
To start off, 2009 Ford Escape is newer by 31 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 2,976 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Escape (172 HP @ 6550 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 168 kg more than 2009 Ford Escape.
Because 2009 Ford Escape 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, 2009 Ford Escape 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, 2009 Ford Escape (302 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2009 Ford Escape 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. 2009 Ford Escape will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2009 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Escape |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 2976 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6550 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1022 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
