1979 Fiat 131 vs. 1977 Chrysler 1609
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Chrysler 1609. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Chrysler 1609 would be higher. At 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Chrysler 1609 (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Chrysler 1609 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 120 kg more than 1977 Chrysler 1609.
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 Fiat 131 (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Chrysler 1609. (133 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 1979 Fiat 131 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Chrysler 1609.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 1977 Chrysler 1609 | |
| Make | Fiat | Chrysler |
| Model | 131 | 1609 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1639 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2670 mm |
