1979 Datsun Laurel vs. 1978 Fiat 131
To start off, 1979 Datsun Laurel is newer by 1 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 2,444 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Datsun Laurel (113 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 131. (75 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Datsun Laurel should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Fiat 131 weights approximately 2 kg more than 1979 Datsun Laurel.
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, 1979 Datsun Laurel (175 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 131. (144 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1979 Datsun Laurel will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Datsun Laurel | 1978 Fiat 131 | |
| Make | Datsun | Fiat |
| Model | Laurel | 131 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2393 cc | 2444 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 113 HP | 75 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.7 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2500 mm |
