1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2009 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2009 Mercury Mariner 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mercury Mariner is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mercury Mariner (171 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mercury Mariner should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 735 kg more than 1978 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Mercury Mariner 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 Mercury Mariner 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 Mercury Mariner (233 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Mercury Mariner will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2009 Mercury Mariner 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 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2009 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Fiat | Mercury |
| Model | 131 | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 171 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 233 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1925 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2630 mm |
