1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Ford Flex
To start off, 2009 Ford Flex 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 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Flex is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Flex (262 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 187 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Flex 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 Flex.
Because 2009 Ford Flex 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 Flex 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 Flex (336 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 192 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Flex will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2009 Ford Flex 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 Flex will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2009 Ford Flex | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Flex |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 262 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3000 mm |
