1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touran
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touran 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 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Touran is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Touran (138 HP) has 85 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (53 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touran should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touran weights approximately 409 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 Volkswagen Touran, 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 Volkswagen Touran (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (95 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touran will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2012 Volkswagen Touran | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 131 | Touran |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 138 HP |
| Torque | 95 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2680 mm |
