1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is newer by 34 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 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (276 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 217 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe weights approximately 590 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, 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, 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe (336 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe 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. 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe | |
| Make | Fiat | Hyundai |
| Model | 131 | Santa Fe |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 336 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4676 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1725 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2700 mm |
