1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Ford Mustang 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 214 kg more than 2009 Ford Mustang.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 212 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2730 mm |
