1979 Fiat 131 vs. 1993 Peugeot 405
To start off, 1993 Peugeot 405 is newer by 14 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 1,578 cc (4 cylinders), 1993 Peugeot 405 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Peugeot 405 (92 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1979 Fiat 131. (64 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1993 Peugeot 405 should accelerate faster than 1979 Fiat 131.
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, 1993 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, 1993 Peugeot 405 (134 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Fiat 131. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1993 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 | 1993 Peugeot 405 | |
| Make | Fiat | Peugeot |
| Model | 131 | 405 |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1993 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1578 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 92 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71.5 mm | 73 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2680 mm |
