1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Routan
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Routan is newer by 32 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 3,800 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Routan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Routan (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Routan should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Routan weights approximately 864 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 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, 2010 Volkswagen Routan, 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, 2010 Volkswagen Routan (311 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Routan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2010 Volkswagen Routan 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. 2010 Volkswagen Routan will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2010 Volkswagen Routan | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Routan |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 2044 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5144 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1953 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3078 mm |
