1979 Fiat 131 vs. 1978 Mazda RX-2
To start off, 1979 Fiat 131 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda RX-2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda RX-2 would be higher. At 2,290 cc, 1978 Mazda RX-2 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Mazda RX-2 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Mazda RX-2 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 60 kg more than 1978 Mazda RX-2.
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, 1978 Mazda RX-2 (157 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Mazda RX-2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 1978 Mazda RX-2 | |
| Make | Fiat | Mazda |
| Model | 131 | RX-2 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 157 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1590 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2480 mm |
