1979 Fiat 131 vs. 1985 Ford Laser
To start off, 1985 Ford Laser is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Fiat 131. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Fiat 131 would be higher. At 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Ford Laser is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Laser (71 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Laser should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 198 kg more than 1985 Ford Laser.
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, 1985 Ford Laser, 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, 1985 Ford Laser (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Laser will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 1985 Ford Laser | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | 131 | Laser |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 71 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 822 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |
