1979 Fiat 131 vs. 1971 Renault 17
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Renault 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Renault 17 would be higher. At 1,565 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Renault 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Renault 17 (108 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Renault 17 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Renault 17 weights approximately 35 kg more than 1979 Fiat 131. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 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 1979 Fiat 131. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1971 Renault 17, 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, 1971 Renault 17 (133 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1971 Renault 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 1971 Renault 17 | |
| Make | Fiat | Renault |
| Model | 131 | 17 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 77 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2440 mm |
