1978 Fiat 131 vs. 2013 Mazda 3
To start off, 2013 Mazda 3 is newer by 35 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 2,489 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda 3 (165 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (59 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mazda 3 weights approximately 203 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, 2013 Mazda 3, 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, 2013 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (113 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2013 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131. 1978 Fiat 131 has automatic transmission and 2013 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2013 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Fiat 131 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 131 | 2013 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 131 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2489 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2640 mm |
