1979 Fiat 131 vs. 1987 Peugeot 405
To start off, 1987 Peugeot 405 is newer by 8 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 2,443 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Fiat 131 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Peugeot 405 (92 HP @ 4300 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Peugeot 405 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Fiat 131 weights approximately 90 kg more than 1987 Peugeot 405.
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, 1987 Peugeot 405, 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, 1987 Peugeot 405 (183 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (152 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1987 Peugeot 405 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Fiat 131.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Fiat 131 | 1987 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 131 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2443 cc | 1767 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 71 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2680 mm |
