1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2012 Porsche Boxster 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 3,400 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Porsche Boxster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Porsche Boxster (310 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 235 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Porsche Boxster weights approximately 161 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.
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, 2012 Porsche Boxster (360 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2012 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Fiat | Porsche |
| Model | 131 | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2444 cc | 3400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1190 kg | 1351 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4371 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1293 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2416 mm |
