1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Ford Fiesta
To start off, 2009 Ford Fiesta 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 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Fiesta (89 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 224 kg more than 2009 Ford Fiesta.
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, 2009 Ford Fiesta, 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, 2009 Ford Fiesta (185 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2009 Ford Fiesta | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Fiesta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 17.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2500 mm |
